Explorers From Spain

Christopher Columbus 

          In 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain decided to pay for Christopher Columbus’ voyage. Columbus left Spain in 1492, and headed west. His voyage was taken on three ships: The Santa Maria, the Nina, and the Pinta. He landed in the island of San Salvador, and claimed the territory for Spain. He also explored Cuba and Hispaniola, where he found colorful parrots, gold, spices, and Native American captives.  After this voyage, he conducted three more voyages to the region. At first, he thought he was in Asia. He never actually realized he had arrived in the Americas, but Europeans finally realized they had found two huge continents, now known as the Americas.

Ferdinand Magellan 

          In 1520, Spain told Magellan that they would fund his voyage to Asia. Magellan left Spain in 1520, and headed west to sail around the Americas and all the way to Asia. The goal of his voyage was to finish what Christopher Columbus had previously started. He sailed along South America and finally found a way around the continent of America. This is now known as the Straight of Magellan. Over the course of his journey, the sailors were starved. They had to eat leather, saw dust, and rats. After 4 months of sailing, they finally got to the Philippines, where local people killed Magellan. His crew continued west across the Indian Ocean, around Africa, and back to Spain. Magellan’s crew became the first people to sail all the way around the world.

Hernan Cortes

          Hernan Cortes’ trip was sponsored by Spain. In 1504, he left Spain and sailed to Hispaniola. He took four ships, including the Diego Candle Ship, the San Lazaro, the Etraos, and the Gatre. During his voyage, he conquered Mexico, as well as the Aztec Empire, making him well known throughout the world. 

Francisco Pizarro 

          Francisco Pizarro’s journey was paid for by Spain. In 1509, he left Spain and explored the Pacific Coast. Along the Pacific Coast of America, he found the Incan Empire. While he was there, he defeated them, making the empire his own. He also sailed around Peru, and discovered an island called Lima.