Who were some of the key explorers during this period and what were their significant contributions?

During the Age of Exploration, several key explorers made significant contributions to the expansion of geographical knowledge and the establishment of global trade routes. Some of these explorers include:

1. Christopher Columbus (1451-1506): Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, is widely known for his voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. His first voyage in 1492 led to the discovery of the Americas, opening the way for European colonization and the eventual establishment of the New World.

2. Vasco da Gama (1460-1524): Da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, is credited with discovering a direct sea route from Europe to India. In 1498, he successfully sailed around the Cape of Good Hope, reaching the Indian subcontinent. This opened up lucrative trade opportunities with the East and established Portugal as a major maritime power.

3. Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521): Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain, led the first circumnavigation of the globe. Although he died during the voyage, his crew completed the journey in 1522. This expedition proved that the Earth was round and significantly expanded European understanding of global geography.

4. Henry Hudson (1565-1611): Hudson, an English explorer, made several voyages in search of a Northwest Passage to Asia. Although he did not find the passage, his explorations in North America, particularly in the Hudson Bay area, laid the foundation for future British colonization and fur trade in the region.

5. James Cook (1728-1779): Cook, a British explorer and navigator, undertook three major voyages in the Pacific Ocean. He mapped many previously uncharted areas, including the eastern coast of Australia and the Hawaiian Islands. Cook's expeditions greatly contributed to the scientific understanding of the Pacific region and facilitated further exploration and colonization.

These explorers played a crucial role in expanding European knowledge of the world, establishing new trade routes, and initiating the era of global exploration and colonization. Their discoveries and contributions paved the way for significant historical developments and shaped the modern world.