He was the first European explorer to sail around the tip of Africa, proving the Atlantic Ocean connects to the Indian Ocean, which opened opportunities for a new trade route to India.

He led the first circumnavigation of the world, and is considered the first European to cross the Pacific Ocean

He was the first European to discover Brazil, and also established a successful sea route to India and a leader in trade there

Portuguese explorer and navigator who found a direct sea route from Europe to Asia, and was the first European to sail to India by going around Africa.