The Day Europe Found a Sea Road to India
On May 20, 1498, Vasco da Gama's ships anchored off Calicut, India — completing the first sea voyage from Europe to Asia and changing world trade forever.
Tales from the year 1498
Three Peaks on the Horizon: Columbus Sights Trinidad
On July 31, 1498, after weeks becalmed in the doldrums, Columbus sighted three green peaks rising from the sea — and named the island Trinidad for the Holy Trinity.
A Continent at Last: Columbus Reaches South America
On August 1, 1498, on his third voyage, Columbus reached the mainland of South America near Venezuela's Orinoco delta — the first recorded European encounter with the continent.