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The Age of Discovery or Age of Exploration was a period from the early 15th century that continued into the early 17th century, during which European ships traveled around the world to search for new trading routes and partners.

They were in search of trading goods such as gold, silver, and spices. In the process, Europeans met people and mapped lands previously unknown to them. Among the most famous explorers of the period were Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral, John Cabot, Juan Ponce de León, Juan Sebastian Elcano, Bartholomeu Dias, Ferdinand Magellan, Willem Barentsz, Abel Tasman, Jean Alfonse, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain, Willem Blaeu, and Captain James Cook.

Portuguese Empire

Henry the Navigator started by paying Portuguese sailors to explore the west coast of Africa. In 1419, João Gonçalves Zarco discovered the Madeira Islands. Later in the 15th century, Vasco da Gama reached the southwestern tip of Africa and established the city of Cape Town, a Portuguese colony. This opened the way to the Indian Ocean. In the next two centuries, the Portuguese created a great trading empire on the coasts of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India. The Portuguese Empire eventually weakened after the Dutch East India Company rose as the major power in Indian Ocean trade.

Spanish Empire

In a hurry to compete with Portugal for a colonial empire, Spain sent Christopher Columbus in the opposite direction of the Portuguese. Instead of going south along the west coast of Africa, Columbus sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. When his ships landed, he believed that he had come to Asia. Later, some Spanish sailors found out that this land was a different continent than Asia. It is now called the Americas.

In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadores gained the whole of what later became Latin America, except some British and French colonies in northeastern South America, and Brazil, which belonged to Portugal. The Spanish concentrated on conquest, unlike the Portuguese who focused on trading. They eventually developed a vast colonial empire, in contrast to the Portuguese who ruled a few islands and coastal cities along the Indian Ocean. When Spain and Portugal were united under King Philip II of Spain, their combined empire was the largest on earth.

In 1522, the fleet of Ferdinand Magellan returned to Spain. The survivors were the first ever to sail around the world.

Britain, France, and the Netherlands

In the 17th century, political and religious wars with Britain, France, and the Netherlands weakened the Iberian Peninsula. These three nations emerged as the main winners of the wars and became major powers like Spain and Portugal. In the next two centuries, the world became a battlefield of the three nations. Britain and France held land in North America, India, and other distant places. The Dutch colonized smaller parts of the Americas, took the former Portuguese trading centers around the Indian Ocean, and conquered Indonesia. These three new great powers also had influence all around the world.

Eventually, the result was a series of wars that were fought both in Europe and overseas, with Britain emerging victorious. The British took the former land of French Canada and India in the 18th century. They seized power in the Indian Ocean and defeated the Dutch navy. By 1763, the British Empire had become the second global empire after Spain. However, in 1776, thirteen colonies of British America declared independence. With help from the French, Dutch, and Spanish, they defeated Britain in the American Revolution.

Exploration of the Southern Pacific Ocean

In 1778, Captain James Cook of Britain sailed across the South Pacific Ocean looking for a mysterious continent in the Southern Hemisphere. He landed on two large islands. Then he sailed west and found a bigger piece of land. The first, was modern New Zealand; the second was Australia. Captain Cook claimed these lands for Britain. He then explored the Pacific world for another year and died in a fight with the Hawaiians.

Effects of the Age of Discovery

Many slaves brought from Africa were brought to the Americas, which was claimed to be found by Christopher Columbus himself. In conclusion, the Portuguese were weakened after the Dutch rose in the Indian Ocean trade route. Spain gained almost all of Latin America and a massive amount of silver.

When Christopher Columbus tried to find a new trade route to Asia, he thought that he could travel around the world. Instead, he had found a New World. Vikings had briefly visited Vinland around 1000 A.D.

Interesting facts about the Age of Discovery

Niccolò de' Conti traveled for 25 years, from 1414 to 1439, and suggested that it is possible to reach Asia by sailing around Africa.

The Ottoman Empire helped to bring about the Age of Discovery. When they conquered Constantinople, they forced Europeans to search for other trade routes to Asia.

Poland's forests were cleared to build the ships necessary to sail to the East Indies.

It is speculated that Columbus's ship captain, Rodrigo de Triana, was the first to spot the New World.

Sailor's meals were made from food that would not spoil and prepared months in advance.

Abel Tasman, the European often credited with discovering New Zealand, missed Australia the first time he sailed in the area.

Although Ireland is known for its potatoes, Sir Walter Raleigh is credited with bringing them to Ireland after they were discovered in Peru by the Spanish.

The Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony were greeted in English by a Native Wampanoag.

European explorers brought diseases to the New World that the natives had never experienced.

Related pages

Images for kids

The Portuguese invention of the caravel, which was maneuverable and able to undertake ocean voyages, was essential to European maritime exploration. The present image shows the " Caravela Vera Cruz", navigating the Tagus river, Lisboa.

The Nao Victoria was the Spanish ship that managed to carry out the first circumnavigation in history. The present image shows a replica of Victoria, built in 1992, visiting Nagoya, Japan, for Expo 2005.

"Mao Kun map", believed to be based on Zheng He's travels, showing sailing directions between ports of SE Asia and as far as Malindi, in Wu Bei Zhi (1628)

Americae Sive Quartae Orbis Partis Nova Et Exactissima Descriptio by Diego Gutiérrez, the largest map of the Americas until the 17th century, and the first map to use the name "California". British Library, London.

Replica of Flor de la Mar carrack housing the Maritime Museum of Malacca in Malaysia.

View from Ternate to Tidore islands in Maluku, where Portuguese eastward and Spanish westward explorations ultimately met and clashed between 1522 and 1529

In 1570 (May 20) Gilles Coppens de Diest at Antwerp published 53 maps created by Abraham Ortelius under the title Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, considered the "first modern atlas". Three Latin editions of this (besides a Dutch, a French and a German edition) appeared before the end of 1572; the atlas continued to be in demand till about 1612. This is the world map from this atlas.

Portuguese Nanbanjin arriving at Japan much to the surprise of locals, detail from a Nanban panel of the Kanō school, 1593-1600

Jesuit scholars collaborated extensively with Chinese astronomers, introducing Copernican principles. Top: Matteo Ricci, Adam Schaal and Ferdinand Verbiest (1623-1688); Bottom: Paul Siu (Xu Guangqi), Colao or Prime Minister of State, and his granddaughter Candide Hiu

In Spanish: Era de los Descubrimientos para niños

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Free Online Resources for Learning Fun Facts about the Age of Exploration

*This post contains affiliate links. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Also known as the Age of Discovery, the Age of Exploration is the period, mostly from the 1400s to the 1600s, when the nations of Europe explored the world. The one who is said to have opened the door to the Age of Exploration is Portuguese explorer, Infante Dom Henrique, or "Henry the Navigator." He explored the west coast of Africa. From then on, other European nations like Britain, France, Italy, and Spain joined Portugal to explore as much of the world as they could. Taken together, the explorers who led these expeditions laid the groundwork for the world as we know it today.

How can you use these resources? You may want to give your child an overview of the Age of Exploration using the general websites and other games and activities, or you can create an entire unit study of the Age of Exploration and divide instruction into lessons on the explorers of different nationalities. Instead, you may want to dive deeply into learning about one or two explorers, using the various sites listed to discuss how different sources represent historical figures.

Note that we strive to educate about cultures and history in the most respectful, honest, and age-appropriate ways possible. If you find a resource you believe doesn't fit these well-intentioned guidelines or have one to suggest that does, please leave us a comment below or contact us . Please review all resources before sharing them with your homeschoolers. The resources below may fit our requirements; however, they may present information that counters your family's world views or traditional thinking about history.

To get you started, here are some general sites on the Age of Exploration for kids , followed by resources on individual explorers separated by nationality:

*Although most of the resources listed here are free, those marked with a $ have a cost or require a fee/subscription in order to access the full range of materials.

Age of Exploration for Kids

These are some resources to get a general overview of the Age of Exploration for Kids :

Explorers (Mr. Nussbaum)
Check out an Explorers Interactive Module, biographies of many famous explorers, an overview of the Age of Exploration, and Explorer Route Maps. There is also an interactive guide to Legends and Myths of the Age of Exploration with a companion Scavenger Hunt. Grade levels are listed with each activity. Upgrade for access to even more materials.

Explorers at a Glance (Britannica Kids) $
Learn about the explorers, who are listed by time period and the areas targeted by their travels. Upgrade for access to the full range of materials.

Explorers Who Got Lost $
By Diane Sansevere-Dreher (Author), Ed Renfro (Illustrator)
"What do Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Bartolomeu Dias have in common? They were all explorers who got lost! Fast-paced and exciting, Explorers Who Got Lost provides detailed information about the most influential explorers of the Age of Discovery: Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco Da Gama, Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Ferdinand Magellan, Giovanni Da Verrazano, Jacques Cartier, and Henry Hudson."

Now check out the important explorers from each country!

British Explorers for Kids

Captain James Cook for Kids

This British explorer was also a navigator, cartographer (map maker), and captain in the British Royal Navy, known for being the first European to set foot on the Hawaiian Islands as well as the eastern coast of Australia.

Henry Hudson for Kids

Can you guess who discovered the Hudson River, Hudson Strait, and Hudson Bay in Canada? That's right, Henry Hudson! Did you know he discovered Manhattan Island in 1609 while employed by the Dutch West India Company?

Sir Francis Drake for Kids

Known as one of the greatest English sea captains of all time, Sir Francis Drake and his crew were the first Englishmen to circumnavigate the globe. They claimed part of California (what Drake called "Nova Albion") for Queen Elizabeth along the way.

Sir Walter Raleigh for Kids

Sir Walter Raleigh and his half-brother, English explorer Sir Humphrey Gilbert, sailed to America, where Sir Walter Raleigh backed the famous Roanoke Island colony in Virginia. He is also known for introducing the English to potatoes and tobacco.

Sir Walter Raleigh (Britannica Kids) $
Read about this favorite of Queen Elizabeth I's court, including his early life, later exploration, and imprisonment and death. Upgrade for access to the full range of materials.

French Explorers for Kids

Jacques Cartier for Kids

Jacques Cartier explored Canada three times, from Nova Scotia to the Cape Fear River. From his ship, the Grande Hermine, he discovered the Saint Lawrence River, which eventually became a major French route to Canada.

René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle for Kids

This French explorer led an expedition down the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers to the Gulf of Mexico, claiming the region around the Mississippi as "Louisiana" for King Louis XIV of France.

Samuel de Champlain for Kids

He is known as the "Father of Canada." Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City and discovered Lake Champlain, located between Vermont and New York.

Read this "fact file" on Samuel de Champlain for a summary of interesting facts about his life, his explorations, and the impact of his discoveries on the development of America.
Samuel de Champlain Facts (Land of the Brave)
Italian Explorers for Kids

Amerigo Vespucci for Kids

How did America get its name? Why from Amerigo Vespucci, of course! He discovered Rio de Janeiro and Rio de la Plata, what he called the "New World" of South America, and believed that he had discovered a new continent. America was named after him in 1507.

Christopher Columbus for Kids

Sailing for Spain in 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered North America while searching for a new trade route to the Indies. Or did he? Lots of controversy for you to "explore" in these resources.

Lies My Teacher Told Me About Christopher Columbus: What Your History Books Got Wrong $
By James W. Loewen
"Disproves the myths about Columbus still enshrined in American textbooks with quotations from primary source material that sets the record straight. The poster and accompanying 48-page paperback book sum up the mistellings-and reveal the real story-in a graphically appealing and accessible format that shows the degree to which textbooks have "lied" by knowingly substituting crowd-pleasing myths for grim and gruesome historical evidence."

You Wouldn't Want to Sail with Christopher Columbus! Uncharted Waters You'd Rather Not Cross $
By Fiona MacDonald (Author), David Antram (Illustrator)
"This interactive series will enthrall young and reluctant readers (Ages 8-12) by making them part of the story, inviting them to become the main character. Each book uses humorous illustrations to depict the sometimes dark and horrific side of life during important eras in history. Get ready...as a poor boy living in Spain you dream of exploring the world by sea. You manage to get on board a ship heading west, under the command of Christopher Columbus. It's a Rough Ride!

Giovanni da Verrazzano for Kids

He led the first French expedition to explore the eastern coast between Newfoundland and the Carolinas, including Narragansett Bay and New York Harbor. Because he was the first European to sail into New York Harbor, the Verrazzano Bridge was named after him.

Check out this 8th grade social studies project on Giovanni De Verrazzano:

Read this "fact file" on Giovanni da Verrazzano for a summary of interesting facts about his life, his explorations, and the impact of his discoveries on the development of America.
Giovanni da Verrazzano Facts (Land of the Brave)
John Cabot for Kids

After crossing the North Atlantic, explorer John Cabot reached America, just north of Nova Scotia. He claimed Canada for King Henry VII.

Portuguese Explorers for Kids

Bartholomew Dias for Kids

Bartholomew Dias was the first European to sail around the southernmost tip of Africa. Why was this important? His exploration later allowed for the establishment of a trade route from Europe to Asia.

Ferdinand Magellan for Kids

Although he died before the voyage's completion, Ferdinand Magellan is known as the one who led the first trip around the world, reaching the Pacific Ocean through what is now known as the Straits of Magellan.

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo for Kids

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo is known for his exploration of the west coast of North America, and specifically as the first European to explore California. He sailed on behalf of the Spanish Empire.

Cabrillo National Monument | California (National Park Service)
If you are local or can travel, check out this monument to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. For your older student, this website has a good overview of the life of the explorer. There is also a virtual field trip/lesson plan available for grades 3-5.

Vasco da Gama for Kids

This Portuguese explorer was the first European to discover an ocean trading route to India, which then allowed Portugal to establish a colonial empire in Africa and Asia.

Spanish Explorers for Kids

Francisco Pizarro

Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish conquistador whose expeditions led to the conquest of Peru. Like many explorers, he sought fortune and adventure in the New World.

Francisco Vasquez de Coronado for Kids

Francisco Vasquez de Coronado? What a name! He is known for his exploration of New Mexico and the southwestern US and discovering the Grand Canyon and the Great Plains in Kansas.

Hernán Cortéz (Cortés) for Kids

This Spanish conquistador's expedition into Mexico led to the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought a large part of Mexico under the rule of Spain.

Hernando de Soto for Kids

For Hernando de Soto, the southeastern US was his playground. He explored from Tampa Bay to South Carolina, including a trip across the Mississippi River.

Juan Ponce de Lèon for Kids

Who was the first European to reach Florida? That would be Juan Ponce de Lèon! He also founded the first European settlement on Puerto Rico.

Vasco de Balboa for Kids

He is known as being the first European to travel from the New World to the Pacific Ocean.

Age of Exploration for Kids Lesson Plans & Activities

If you want to plan a more structured lesson or unit on the Age of Exploration for kids , these resources can help:

Age of Exploration for Kids Games

Finish your Age of Exploration unit or lesson with some fun games:

Did you discover a great resource for learning important facts on the Age of Exploration while you were exploring the Internet? Share your discoveries in the comments below....

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Free Online Resources for Learning Fun Facts about the Age of Exploration *This post contains affiliate links. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Also known as the Age of Discovery, the Age of Exploration is the period, mostly from the 1400s to the 1600s, when the nations of Europe explored the world.

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Age of Exploration and Colonization | Kids Discover Online

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Gain instant access to this beautifully designed Unit on the Age of Exploration, where kids will learn all about Spain and Portugal Explore the World, Cultural Change and Exchange, Colonization Expands, and more. Access 3 different reading levels perfect for Grades 3-8. Written by subject experts, aligns with standards.

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Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

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The Age of Exploration & Trade Book Collection on Epic

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Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under. Get Started