* Italian explorer who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and reached the Americas in 1492.
* His voyage marked the beginning of European exploration of the New World.
2. Vasco da Gama (1498)
* Portuguese explorer who sailed around the Cape of Good Hope and reached India in 1498.
* His voyage opened up a new trade route between Europe and Asia.
3. John Cabot (1497)
* Italian explorer who sailed under the English flag and reached North America in 1497.
* His voyage laid the foundation for English exploration of the New World.
4. Pedro Álvares Cabral (1500)
* Portuguese explorer who sailed to Brazil in 1500.
* His voyage marked the discovery of Brazil by the Europeans.
5. Ferdinand Magellan (1521)
* Portuguese explorer who sailed around the world in 1521.
* His voyage was the first circumnavigation of the globe.