History The Age Of Exploration Questions Medium
During the Age of Exploration, several major explorations and discoveries took place in Oceania. One of the most significant explorations was that of the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman. In 1642, Tasman embarked on a voyage commissioned by the Dutch East India Company and became the first European to sight the island of Tasmania, which he named Van Diemen's Land. He also discovered and named several other islands in the region, including New Zealand, which he named Staten Landt.
Another notable exploration was conducted by the British explorer James Cook. In the late 18th century, Cook embarked on three voyages to the Pacific, during which he made several important discoveries in Oceania. In 1769, he reached the eastern coast of Australia, which he claimed for Britain and named New South Wales. Cook also explored and mapped the islands of New Caledonia, Tonga, and Fiji, among others.
Furthermore, the Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira led an expedition in 1567 to the Solomon Islands in search of the legendary "Land of Gold." Although he did not find the gold he sought, Mendaña discovered and named the Marquesas Islands and the Solomon Islands, which he named after King Solomon.
These explorations and discoveries in Oceania during the Age of Exploration played a crucial role in expanding European knowledge of the region and establishing European presence in the Pacific. They also paved the way for future colonization and trade in the area.