World Famous Explorers! Trivia Facts Quiz

The exploration of North America is believed to have begun with the Vikings. This is supported by archaeological evidence, such as the discovery of a Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada. The Vikings, specifically Norse seafarers, were known for their extensive voyages and exploration during the Viking Age. They likely reached North America around the 10th century, predating Christopher Columbus and other European explorers. This discovery has reshaped our understanding of early exploration and contact between Europe and North America.

The statement is true because Spanish explorers in the New World were indeed divided into two categories: conquistadors, who were primarily interested in conquering and colonizing new territories for Spain, and missionaries, who aimed to convert the indigenous populations to Christianity. These two groups played significant roles in the Spanish colonization of the Americas during the Age of Exploration.

The statement is false because when Cortez reached South America, he did find people living there. The continent was inhabited by various indigenous civilizations such as the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas. Cortez encountered the Aztec Empire in present-day Mexico, which was a highly developed and populous civilization. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that no one lived in South America when Cortez arrived.

Early explorers set out on expeditions for various reasons such as finding new trade routes to increase their country's wealth and power, claiming land for their country to expand their territories and resources, and seeking religious freedom. However, looking for long lost relatives was not a reason for early explorers to embark on expeditions. This answer stands out as it does not align with the historical motivations and goals of early explorers.

Amerigo Vespucci is the correct answer because America was named after him. He was an Italian explorer who realized that the land discovered by Christopher Columbus was not part of Asia, but a separate continent. His name, Amerigo, was Latinized to America and became the name for the entire continent.

Amerigo Vespucci was the first to realize that Columbus had landed on a new continent instead of Asia. He made several voyages to the Americas and wrote detailed accounts of his explorations, which were widely circulated in Europe. Vespucci's writings described the unique characteristics of the lands and people he encountered, leading him to conclude that Columbus had not reached Asia but had discovered a new continent. His observations and conclusions played a significant role in shaping the understanding of the New World and ultimately led to the use of his name for the continents of North and South America.

During the Middle Ages, the Muslims controlled many of the land routes that connected Europe to Asia, making it difficult for Europeans to trade with Asian countries. This led Europeans to seek an alternative water route to Asia, as they believed it would provide them with a direct and uninterrupted trade route. By finding a water route, Europeans hoped to bypass the Muslim-controlled land routes and establish direct trade connections with Asian countries.

During the medieval period, Europeans wanted a sea route to Asia because Muslims had gained control of the land route. The Muslim control over the Silk Road made trade difficult and expensive for Europeans. They were looking for an alternative route to access the valuable goods and resources of Asia. By finding a sea route, Europeans hoped to bypass the Muslim-controlled land routes and establish direct trade connections with Asia, which would be more profitable and efficient.

Spain was the most aggressive European country in claiming land on the new continent. During the Age of Exploration, Spain sent numerous expeditions to the Americas, led by explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés. They established colonies, such as New Spain, throughout the region and exploited the resources and wealth of the land. Spain's aggressive colonization efforts were driven by a desire for wealth, power, and spreading Christianity. They were able to establish a vast empire in the Americas, which lasted for centuries.

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo did not discover the Straits of Anian. The Straits of Anian is a mythical waterway that was believed to connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean through North America. Despite numerous explorers searching for it, the Straits of Anian were never found.

The statement is false because on his first exploration, Columbus actually landed in the Caribbean, specifically on an island in the present-day Bahamas. He did not land on the East Coast of the United States. This is a common misconception, as Columbus is often associated with the discovery of America, but he did not reach the mainland of what is now the United States during his voyages.

The correct answer is Spanish built St. Augustine. St. Augustine, located in present-day Florida, was founded by the Spanish in 1565, making it the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the United States. The Spanish established St. Augustine as a military outpost and it served as the capital of Spanish Florida for over 200 years. The settlement played a significant role in the colonization and exploration of the Americas by European powers.

Ferdinand Magellan's ship was the first to sail around the world. He was a Portuguese explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe from 1519 to 1522. Magellan's ship, named the Victoria, started the journey with a crew of about 260 men. Although Magellan himself did not complete the voyage as he was killed in the Philippines, his ship and crew successfully completed the circumnavigation, making him the first person to achieve this feat.

Marco Polo is known for his travels to Asia and his role in establishing the Silk Road, an overland trade route connecting Europe and Asia. He documented his experiences in his book "The Travels of Marco Polo," which introduced Europeans to the wonders of the East and sparked interest in trade with Asia. Although he did not discover America or start the first school for sailors, his contributions to trade and cultural exchange between Europe and Asia were significant.

Christopher Columbus believed that he could sail west to reach Asia. This belief led him to embark on his famous voyage in 1492, in which he intended to find a western route to Asia. Despite the prevailing belief at the time that the earth was flat, Columbus was convinced that he could reach Asia by sailing westward. This belief ultimately led him to discover the Americas, although he mistakenly believed that he had reached Asia.

Christopher Newport was from England. This is known because he was an English privateer and explorer who played a significant role in the early colonization of Virginia in America. He was the captain of the Susan Constant, one of the three ships that carried the first English settlers to Jamestown in 1607. Newport's English nationality is also evident in his involvement in various English expeditions and his interactions with English officials and merchants.

Lief Erickson was the first explorer to land in North America. He is believed to have reached the North American continent around 1000 AD, almost 500 years before Christopher Columbus. Erickson's expedition is said to have landed in present-day Newfoundland, Canada, establishing a temporary settlement called Vinland. This discovery predates any known European exploration of North America and highlights Erickson's significance as an early explorer of the continent.

Ponce de Leon explored the area now known as Florida. He was a Spanish explorer who arrived in Florida in 1513, searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth. He claimed the land for Spain and named it "La Florida," meaning "land of flowers." Ponce de Leon's exploration of Florida was significant as it marked the first recorded European contact with the area, leading to further Spanish colonization and the eventual establishment of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States.

The correct answer is Florida because it was the site of the first permanent European settlement in what is now the United States. In 1565, the Spanish established the settlement of St. Augustine in Florida, making it the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. This settlement predates the English settlement of Jamestown, Virginia, which was established in 1607.

Henry the Navigator changed Europeans' view of the world by starting a school for sailors in Portugal. This school provided education and training for sailors, which led to advancements in navigation and exploration. By teaching sailors new techniques and knowledge, Henry the Navigator contributed to the expansion of European exploration and the discovery of new lands. This education allowed sailors to navigate more accurately and confidently, leading to further exploration and the development of trade routes. Thus, Henry the Navigator's school played a significant role in changing Europeans' view of the world.