1. Christopher Columbus (Italy) - Explored the Americas for Spain in the late 15th century, leading to the establishment of European colonies in the Americas.
2. Vasco da Gama (Portugal) - Explored the sea route from Portugal to India around the southern tip of Africa in the late 15th century, opening up a new trade route between Europe and Asia.
3. Ferdinand Magellan (Portugal) - Led the first circumnavigation of the world in the early 16th century, proving that Earth is round and establishing a global perspective of the world.
4. John Cabot (Italy) - Explored North America for England in the late 15th century, reaching present-day Canada and establishing England's claim to North America.
5. Samuel de Champlain (France) - Explored and mapped much of present-day Canada in the early 17th century, founding the city of Quebec and contributing to the establishment of New France.
6. Henry Hudson (England) - Explored the North American coast in the early 17th century, discovering Hudson Bay and Hudson River, which were later named after him.
7. James Cook (England) - Conducted extensive voyages in the Pacific Ocean in the late 18th century, charting new territories, discovering new species of plants and animals, and mapping various islands and coastlines.
These are just a few examples of European explorers from different countries who played significant roles in the Age of Exploration and contributed to the development of geographical knowledge, colonialism, and global trade.