The Explorers Podcast

In part 2 of our series, Daniel Boone becomes a woodsmen of legend as he comes to know Kentucky like no man. In the process, he will identify the Cumberland Gap - one of the great mountain passes in American history - and establish the first European settlement in Kentucky - Boonesborough. In the process, he will lose his eldest son in the never-ending wars with the native Indians.

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In the first part of our series on American pioneer Daniel Boone, we look at his early life, including his years growing up on the North Carolina frontier, his time in the French and Indian War, and his first excursions over the Appalachian Mountains. 

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In the second - and final - part of our series on Florentine explorer Amerigo Vespucci, we look at his third voyage, touch on his 'fourth' voyage, and then discuss his legacy - including how his name became attached to two continents.

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In part 1 of 2, we take a look at the early years of Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, including his younger years in Florence. We then explain how he got into the business of exploration, and examine the first two voyages attributed to the man.

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In 1626, Father Estêvão Cacella and his assistant, Father João Cabral, set out from the region of Bengal and into the Himalayan mountains. The two Jesuit missionaries would become the first Europeans to reach the kingdoms of Bhutan, Nepal and parts of Tibet. In the process, they would provide the world with the oldest and most detailed look at Bhutan's legends - Ngawang Namgyal - and his kingdom. 

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In the final chapter of our series on Jules Dumont d'Urville, the Astrolabe and the Zelee return to Antarctica, before making a long voyage home to France. We wrap up with the tragic death of d'Urville and his family, plus a look at the man's legacy.

Daring French Explorations Giveaway: https://explorerspodcast.com/daringfrenchexplorations/

Daring French Explorations by Hubert Sagnières on Instagrams (see amazing photos from this expedition and others): https://www.instagram.com/frenchexplorations/

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d'Urville and his two ships sail from South America to Polynesia. On the agenda for this episode is Tahiti, Guam, Tonga, the Philippines, Batavia, New Guinea, Singapore, and Australia. Despite illnesses depleting the ranks of the expedition, the Astrolabe and the Zelee will finish up in Tasmania as they prepare for another voyage to Antarctica.

Daring French Explorations Giveaway: https://explorerspodcast.com/daringfrenchexplorations/

Daring French Explorations by Hubert Sagnières on Instagrams (see amazing photos from this expedition and others): https://www.instagram.com/frenchexplorations/

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In part 5 of our series, d'Urville leads two ships - including the Astrolabe - on a circumnavigation of the world. The first stops on the agenda are the Strait of Magellan and Antarctica.

Daring French Explorations Giveaway: https://explorerspodcast.com/daringfrenchexplorations/

Daring French Explorations by Hubert Sagnières on Instagrams (see amazing photos from this expedition and others): https://www.instagram.com/frenchexplorations/

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In part four of our series, d'Urville takes the Astrolabe through islands of the Pacific, and goes in search of the lost expedition of Jean François de Galaup Lapérouse. On his return to France, he will play a small role in the Revolution of 1830.

Daring French Explorations Giveaway: https://explorerspodcast.com/daringfrenchexplorations/

Daring French Explorations by Hubert Sagnières on Instagrams (see amazing photos from this expedition and others): https://www.instagram.com/frenchexplorations/

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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Jules Dumont d'Urville returns to the South Pacific about the Astrolabe. In this episode, we explore Australia, New Zealand and the Tongan Islands. The ship will - multiple times - find itself stuck on reefs. The episode will end with d'Urville bombarding the Tongans after seize numerous hostages in hope of obtaining French weapons, supplies and military expertise.

Daring French Explorations Giveaway: https://explorerspodcast.com/daringfrenchexplorations/

Daring French Explorations by Hubert Sagnières on Instagrams (see amazing photos from this expedition and others): https://www.instagram.com/frenchexplorations/

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In 1822, d'Urville set off on his first epic voyage - a three year expedition around the world as the 2nd-in-command of the Coquille. The voyage will take him to the Falkland Islands, South America, Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand and more.

Daring French Explorations Giveaway: https://explorerspodcast.com/daringfrenchexplorations/

Daring French Explorations by Hubert Sagnières on Instagrams (see amazing photos from this expedition and others): https://www.instagram.com/frenchexplorations/

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In part 1 of our series, we look at d’Urville’s early life, including his journey into the French Navy during the Napoleonic era. We then look at his first scientific expedition about the Chevrette – which will include a journey to the Greek island of Milos. There, d’Urville will play a key part in the acquisition of the famed Venus de Milo for France.

Daring French Explorations Giveaway: https://explorerspodcast.com/daringfrenchexplorations/

Daring French Explorations by Hubert Sagnières on Instagrams (see amazing photos from this expedition and others): https://www.instagram.com/frenchexplorations/

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In the final episode on the life of Freya Stark, we take a look at her work in the Middle East in World War II, as well as the latter half of her life - including her many publications. We finish up with a look at the legacy of our explorer and traveler. 

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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Between 1935 and 1938, Freya Stark took part in two expeditions into the mountains of Yemen, looking to find the lost city of Shabwa, and document the incense route that had thrived on the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years. 

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In this episode we follow Freya Stark on two expeditions into Luristan - which is western Persia. She will go into these wild and unexplored regions in search of bronze relics and treasure. We also cover the publication of Stark's first book, The Valleys of the Assassins: and Other Persian Travels.

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Freya Stark returns to the mountains of northern Persia in search of Lambsar - the lost fortress of the Order of Assassins. She will also nearly die after contracting malaria, and make an attempt to climb the mountain known as Solomon's Throne.

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In part 2 of our series, Stark heads into the mountains of Persia in search of the Valley of the Assassins - as well as the ruins of their legendary fortresses - including Alamut and Lambsar castles. 

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We take a look at the early life of Freya Stark, including her near death as a youth, and her time as a nurse in WWI. We then take Stark on her first adventure, a journey into the forbidden lands of the the Druze - a secretive and closed society in modern-day Syria.

Interview with Alice Morrison: https://explorerspodcast.com/alice-morrison/

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In the final episode in our series on Humboldt, we discuss the remainder of his life, including his epic Kosmos (aka Cosmos). We then talk about the enormous legacy of Humboldt.

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In 1829, Humboldt heads off to Russia to investigate the Ural Mountains for the Czar. Humboldt would be severely restricted by the Russian government, but that would not stop him from venturing off the beaten track for 2,000 miles - even reaching China. It will be Humboldt's last expedition.

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Humboldt does a deep dive into New Spain - aka Mexico - then visits Thomas Jefferson in the United States. We also cover Humboldt's life upon his return to Europe - a span of 25 years.

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Alexander von Humboldt returns to South America, traveling into the jungles to the city of Bogota, and then over the Andes Mountains. Here he will do extensive studies on volcanoes, and crystallize ideas that will be critical to his idea of Naturgemälde.

Curious Worldview Podcast: https://atlasgeographica.com/explorers-podcast/

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Alexander von Humboldt arrives in South America, and conducts an expedition up the Orinoco River in search of the Casiquiare canal - which legend says connected the Orinoco and Amazon rivers. His experiences help him develop some of his most influential and revolutionary scientific theories.

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Part one of our series introduces us to Alexander von Humboldt - one of the most influential scientists and thinkers of the 19th century - and the man known as the 'Father of Ecology'. In this episode, we cover Humboldt's early years, detailing how he grew into one of Europe's most innovative scientists. We finish up with Humboldt setting off to South America on a voyage of discovery that will cover five years.

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This episode takes a look at the first Europeans to reach the island of Japan in 1543. The two men - António Mota and Francisco Zeimoto - were Portuguese merchants. Their visit would transform Japanese society with the introduction of the arquebus - an early musket.

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In the final episode in the Belgica Expedition, we have a conversation with New York Times best-selling author Julian Sancton, who wrote the book "Madhouse at the End of the Earth: The Belgica's Journey into the Dark Antarctic Night". This is the definitive book about the expedition. In our talk, Sancton discusses the challenges, surprises and rewards of writing the book.

Find out more about Julian Sancton and "Madhouse at the End of the Earth": https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/602593/madhouse-at-the-end-of-the-earth-by-julian-sancton/

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In the final chapter of the Belgica saga, the ship and her crew struggle to find a way out of the Antarctic ice pack. As they do so, the men struggle with the physical and mental health as they face yet another year trapped in the pack.

Images/maps to help with this episode: https://explorerspodcast.com/belgica-expedition/

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As the winter of 1898 approaches, the Belgica and her crew prepare to endure 70 days of darkness. No one in history had endured a winter in the Antarctic environment. What follows will include extreme cold, isolation, madness and death. 

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The Belgica begins to explore the coast of Antarctica - and plunges deeper and deeper to the south as the long night of winter approaches. 

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In part 2 of our series on the Belgica Expedition, the ship travels to Rio de Janeiro, through the dangerous Strait of Magellan, and onto Antarctica. Along the way, the expedition will be joined by Dr. Frederick Cook, and there will be a near mutiny - plus a tragic death.

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In 1897, Belgian naval officer Adrien de Gerlache organized the first major expedition to Antarctica in half a century. It will kick off the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. The expedition included two men critic to the exploration of the polar regions - Roald Amundsen and Dr. Frederick Cook.

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In the final episode in our series, Ibn Battuta returns to Morocco, and then goes on a final journey across the Saharan Desert to West Africa and the Kingdom of Mali - including the legendary city of Timbuktu.

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Ibn Battatu continues his legendary travels by heading to the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bengal, Sumatra and China. In the process he nearly dies in a storm, loses everything to pirates, and plots to take over an island kingdom. 

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Ibn Battuta comes to India and gets a job! Now he has to navigate the world of the Sultanate of Delhi - and the unpredictable (and that's being polite) sultan.

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Ibn Battuta heads to India - the long way. This time he travels north to Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), and then ventures into the realm of the Golden Horde - aka the Kipchak Khanate. We can also throw in a side excursion to Constantinople before Ibn Battuta crosses the western Himalayan Mountains and enters the Sultanate of Delhi. 

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Ibn Battuta sets off for East Africa - including the colonies of Mogadishu, Mombasa, Zanzibar and Kilwa. After that, it's back to the Arabian Peninsula, including Oman and Hormuz.

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In the 14th century, Moroccan-Berber traveler Ibn Battuta crosses the Arabian desert, visits the great cities of western Persia, and explores the Mesopotamian region and the legendary city of Baghdad.

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The early life of Ibn Battuta is covered in the first episode of our series - plus our explorer's first major journey - a trek to Mecca in 1325-26. It is the start to one of the great stories in the history of exploration and travel.

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This is the final episode in our series on John McDouall Stuart. In part 4, Stuart makes one final stab at crossing the Australian continent, and blazing a route for the telegraph line. 

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In part four of our series, we follow Stuart on his fifth expedition to try and cross Australia. We also discuss the fate of Robert O'Hara Burke the the Victorian Exploring Exploration - aka the Burke and Wills Expedition - which was a direct competitor to Stuart's endeavors.

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Stuart conducts three expeditions into the Australian interior - including an attempt to reach the continent's center - and the north coast. Also, the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE) led by Robert O'Hara Burke sets out on their attempt to cross Australia. 

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In the late 1850s and early 1860, John McDouall Stuart led six expeditions into the Australian interior - culminating with an epic crossing - and return - on his final journey. In part 1 of our series, we learn about Stuart's early years, and follow his first expedition.

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In part 2 of our series on Vázquez de Coronado, the Spanish conquistador and his army set out for the supposedly wealthy region of Quivira.

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In part 1 of our series, conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado sets out to find the legendary Seven Cities of Gold - aka Cibola. In doing this, he will be the first European to reach such places as the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon, the Arkansas River, and much more.

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In the final part of our series on Matt Rutherford, I conducted an extensive interview with the man - talking about his voyage, his life since the circumnavigation, and much, much more.

Ocean Research Project: https://www.oceanresearchproject.org/

Single-Handed Sailing Podcast: https://singlehandedsailing.libsyn.com/

Solo the Americas: https://solotheamericas.com/

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Matt Rutherford sails his 40-year old, 27-foot long sailboat - the St. Brendan - south. There, he rounds the Cape Horn and heads home - dealing with storms, broken ribs, a near collision with a freighter, plus a boat that was slowly sinking.

https://solotheamericas.com/

http://www.oceanresearchproject.org/

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In 2011, Matt Rutherford set out to become the first person to ever sail around the Americas. He had a 40-year old, 27-foot long sailboat - the St. Brendan. As this was a solo voyage, he was alone. And as this was nonstop, he could not put into port, drop anchor, connect himself to another vessel, or beach the boat. In part 1, we look at Rutherford's trouble youth, the preparations for his voyage, and take him through the most difficult part of his voyage - the Northwest Passage.

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In part 2 of our series on French Explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet, we follow them down the Mississippi - and then back to their home base - taking an alternate route up the Illinois River. With their journey complete, we do a look at the rest of the lives of both men.

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French explorers Louis Joliett and Jacques Marquette go searching for the legendary 'Big River' that lies in the west - the Mississippi.

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In the final part of our series on James Cook, the man meets a bloody end on a beach in Hawaii. We finish by doing a wrap up of Cook's final voyage, plus a look at some of the key figures in our story. We then take in the enormous legacy of James Cook.

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In part 9 of our series on James Cook, we follow our English explorer from Hawaii to the western coast of North America. Cook will map the coastline all the way up into Alaska, before trying to find a route above the continent.

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In this episode, James Cook he's back to Tahiti before setting his sights on North America - and a search for the Northwest Passage. Along the way, he makes the most significant discovery of his life - Hawaii.

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In part 7 of our series on James Cook, our British explorer sails around the islands of Polynesia and Micronesia, then plunges south into the Antarctic Ice. We wrap up the voyage with some discoveries in the South Atlantic.

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In part six of our series, we begin the second voyage of James Cook. This time, Cook has two ships, Resolution and Adventure. He sails to the other side of the world - searching for the hidden southern continent - Terra Australis. 

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In part five of our series, James Cook and Endeavour sail to Batavia, then around Africa to complete their first epic voyage by circumnavigating the world.

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In this episode, we wrap up James Cook's first historic voyage. It will include exploring New Zealand and Australia, a near-sinking of Endeavour, and then a long voyage back to England. Along the way, the expedition will be rocked by deadly illnesses. 

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In part 3 of our series on James Cook, our English explorer arrives in Tahiti to conduct a survey of the Transit of Venus. After that, he and Endeavour explore the surrounding islands, then goes in search of Terra Australis.

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In part 2 of our series, James Cook takes command of the Endeavour and sets out to Tahiti to record the Transit of Venus.

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In part 1 of our series on British explorer James Cook, we look at the man's younger years, plus his life in the Royal Navy - focusing on his time in the Seven Years' War, and several years surveying the coast of Newfoundland. We'll finish with Cook being appointed to command the HMS Endeavour - which will be the beginnings of one of the most famous voyages of exploration in history.

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In part 2 of our series, Abel Tasman wraps up his first voyage of discovery, then undertakes a second expedition - this time exploring the area between New Guinea and Australia.

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In part one of our series, Dutch Explorer Abel Tasman goes searching for the legendary continent of Terra Australis. Instead, he will find Tasmania and New Zealand.

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In this episode, we have a conversation with modern-day explorer, traveler and adventurer Alice Morrison - who has been described as 'Indiana Jones for Girls.' Morrison, who didn't start adventuring until she was 48, has traipsed all over the world, including Africa, the Middle East, the Himalayas, and South and Central America. In that time, she has written four books, produced a BBC documentary about her journey to Timbuktu, and documented her journeys on YouTube, Instagram, her blog and a podcast.

https://alicemorrison.co.uk

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In the final part of our series, we take a look at the second half of Nansen's life as a scientist, diplomat and humanitarian.

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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Nansen and Johansen make their way from Franz Josef Land, while the Fram finds their way out of the ice and heads for Norway.

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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Fridtjof Nansen and Hjalmar Johansen set off with three sledges and 28 dogs in an attempt to the reach the North Pole.

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Fridtjof Nansen and the Fram head into the Arctic waters in their bid to reach the North Pole.

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In part 3 of our Nansen series, our Norwegian explorer begins an audacious plan to reach the North Pole. He proposes to take a ship into the polar ice - and get frozen in. From there, the drift of the ice pack will take him close enough to the pole to make a run at history.

Fram Museum: https://frammuseum.no

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In part 2 of our series, Nansen and his team set off to cross the world's biggest island - Greenland - a feat never before accomplished in history. Nansen's team will be small, and use skis - relying on speed and mobility.

Map found at: https://explorerspodcast.com/fridtjof-nansen/

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In Part 1 of our series on polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen, we cover Nansen's early years, including a sealing expedition to the Arctic, and his success as a scientist. We then move on to his planning of his Greenland Expedition in 1888 - where Nansen will try and become the first man to ever cross the world's biggest island.

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In this episode, we look at the life of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who in 1961, would become the first human to achieve space flight. This show looks at Gagarin's early years, how he got into the Soviet space program, the rivalry between the Russians and the Americans, his famous flight, and the his latter years.

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In this episode, we look at the life - a legendary voyage - of Irish monk Saint Brendan of Clonfert (aka Brendan the Navigator, Brendan the Voyager, and Brendan the Bold). We dive into the text of Brendan's voyage to paradise - and investigate what - if any of it - has a place in the real world. Could he have - as some people claim - have reach North America a thousand years before Columbus?

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In this episode, we have a wide-ranging discussion with author Mick Conefrey, who's new book, 'Everest 1922', goes into depth on the first ever attempt on the world's highest peak.

Everest 1922: https://www.mickconefrey.co.uk/books/everest-1922

About Mick Conefrey: https://www.mickconefrey.co.uk/about

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: airwavemedia.com

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In the final part of our series on Jacques Cartier, we explore up the St. Lawrence River - reaching modern-day Quebec City and Montreal.

Map and resources: https://explorerspodcast.com/jacques-cartier/

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: airwavemedia.com

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In part 1 of our series on Jacques Cartier, we explore the background on exploration of what is now the St. Lawrence region of Canada, and then follow Cartier on his first voyage.

Map and resources: https://explorerspodcast.com/jacques-cartier/

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: airwavemedia.com

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The final episode of our series, we follow Burton as a diplomat in Brazil, Syria and Italy. But more importantly, we look at Burton's time translating eastern texts - including the legendary Arabian Nights.

For all things Burton: https://burtoniana.org

Photos, maps, fun: https://explorerspodcast.com/richard-francis-burton/

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Burton goes to travels to America, and then takes a diplomatic position in West Africa. Meanwhile, Speke returns to Lake Victoria. The episode finishes with a public debate between Burton and Speke - and ends in tragedy.

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In Part five of our series, Burton and Speke head back to Zanzibar. Along the way, Speke leads a side excursion to the north - where he will come upon Lake Victoria - the real source of the Nile. It will ignite a feud between the two men.

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In part 4 of our series, Burton and Speke travel west from Zanzibar in search of the a great inland lake - called the Sea of Ujiji by the Arabs - and Tanganyika by the African people.

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Part 3 of our series on Burton takes us to East Africa with the Somaliland Expedition. Burton will make an attempt to reach the inland city of Harar - where no European had ever gone to - and returned.

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In part 2 of our series, Burton goes undercover to explore Arabia, including the cities of Medina and Mecca - the two holiest cities in Islam.

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In part 1 of our series on British explorer and adventurer Richard Francis Burton, we cover Burton's early life, including his time in India, where he embraced eastern culture and religion. His linguistic expertise would allow him to travel throughout the region in disguise.

Website devoted to Burton and his works: https://burtoniana.org

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In the final part in our series on the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition, the team struggles to get past the rapids while Teddy Roosevelt - wracked with malaria and an infected leg - fights for his life.

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Teddy Roosevelt and and Cândido Rondon begin the descent of the River of Doubt. It will prove to be far more dangerous than anyone imagined.

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In part 2 of our series, the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition head across the Brazilian Highlands to the headwaters of the River of Doubt.

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In 1913, former president Theodore Roosevelt agreed to go a ‘delightful holiday’ tour of the Amazon region. But once there, he couldn’t resist the urge to do something bigger and bolder. The result would be the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition – an attempt to trace the path of a recently discovered river in the heart of the Amazon Basin called the Rio da Dúvida – aka the River of Doubt.

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In this episode, we cover the life of Spanish conquistador and explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. Cabrillo would be the first non-native to reach the western coast of the United States.

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While not well known, James Beckwourth is one of the most colorful characters of the American west. He began life as a slave - and would go on to be an explorer, trapper, Indian chief, prospector, scout, guide, gambler, horse thief and so much more. 

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In the final episode in our series on Shackleton, we detail the Quest Expedition, and then take a look at the legacy of the man.

Huts of Antarctica: https://explorerspodcast.com/huts-of-antarctica/

Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/ernest-shackleton/

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The Endurance Saga comes to a close as Shackleton must cross the mountains of South Georgia Island in order to reach civilization. He must then rescue the men stranded on Elephant Island.

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In our 100th episode, we track one of the great sailing feats in the history of man - the Voyage of the James Caird. In this episode, Shackleton and five other men attempt to sail from Elephant Island to South Georgia - across some of the most dangerous waters in the world.

https://explorerspodcast.com/ernest-shackleton/

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Shackleton and his men have to struggle to find a way off the ice pack of the Weddell Sea - and to land. Also, we take a look at the men of the Aurora - who were fighting to lay the supplies depots on the other side of the continent.

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The Endurance Expedition begins! In this episode, we follow the Endurance from South Georgia Island and into the Weddell Sea - and discover the fate of Endurance.

Look at maps, and some links - including to video - on our website.

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Part six in our series covers the years 1910-1914. We follow the race to the South Pole between Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen, and then go with Shackleton as he prepares his next expedition - the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition - aka the Endurance Expedition.

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In the second part of the Nimrod Expedition, we focus on two things. First was the struggle of Shackleton and the geographic South Pole to get back to the Antarctic coast. And second, we will cover the pretty amazing story of the magnetic South pole team. It is a some amazing stuff. 

Magnetic South Pole Team Route: https://www.loc.gov/resource/g9801s.ct000772/?r=-0.7,-0.008,2.4,1.552,0

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In part 4 of our Shackleton series, we cover the first half of the 1907 Nimrod Expedition, as Shackleton makes a go for the pole.

https://explorerspodcast.com/ernest-shackleton/

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In part 3 of our series, we follow Shackleton in the years between the Discovery Expedition - and his next venture. In this time, he becomes a public figure - and even runs for parliament. Also, his rivalry with Robert Falcon Scott will grow. 

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In part 2 of the series, Shackleton takes part in the 1901 Discovery Expedition, in which he will take part in an excursion into the interior of Antarctica, and set a record for furthest south.

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Part 1 in our series covers the life of Antarctic Explorer Ernest Shackleton up to the Discovery Expedition of 1901. There is also a brief look at Antarctic exploration, and the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. 

https://explorerspodcast.com/ernest-shackleton/

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In the 1450s, Venetian explorer Alvise Cadamosto would conduct two voyages of exploration for Prince Henry the Navigator. These voyages are a representation of the many expeditions dispatched by Henry in his lifetime. On these voyages, Cadamosto would discover the Cape Verde Islands, and expand the map of the west African coast as known to Europe.

https://explorerspodcast.com/alvise-cadamosto/

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In the final chapter in the story of Henry the Navigator, we look at the continuing explorations and discoveries of the prince's captains, discuss the development of the caravel, and talk about the legacy of Henry.

Website and Map: https://explorerspodcast.com/henry-the-navigator/

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Henry's captains push past the legendary Cape Bojador - reaching the Senegal River - the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. Also, Henry and the Portuguese make a risky play to capture the port of Algiers.

https://explorerspodcast.com/henry-the-navigator/

Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/henry-nav-map2.png

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In part 1 of our series on Prince Henry, we look at his early life, including his victory at Ceuta, and the discoveries of the Madeira Islands and the Azores - as well as his support for exploration in Africa and the Atlantic.

Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/henry-the-navigator/

Iberian Kingdoms map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/iberian_kingdoms_in_1400.png

Atlantic/Africa map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/henry-nav-map1.png

Intelligent Speech Conference: https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/

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Explorer and priest Andrés de Urdaneta would discover the route from the Far East to the Americas - opening up the lucrative galleon trade route between Manila and Acapulco.

https://explorerspodcast.com/urdaneta/

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In the final part of our series, we take a look at the aftermath of the expedition, plus examine the lives of Hillary and Tenzing following their historic climb of Everest in 1953.

https://explorerspodcast.com/edmund-hillary-tenzing-norgay/

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In part 4 of the series, Tenzing and Hillary are paired up - and take a crack at reaching the highest spot in the world - the top of Mount Everest.

For notes, resources and maps, go to: https://explorerspodcast.com/edmund-hillary-tenzing-norgay/

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In part 3 of our series, the 1953 British Mount Everest Expedition is organized under the guidance of Colonel John Hunt. We get the expedition to Nepal and Everest, and have them push through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall.

https://explorerspodcast.com/edmund-hillary-tenzing-norgay/

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In part two of our series, we focus on the life of Tenzing Norgay, who was born and grew up in the shadow of Mount Everest. In addition to looking at Tenzing's life, we'll also talk about the world of the mountain people - in particular the Sherpas - who populate these early decades of Himalayan expeditions.

https://explorerspodcast.com/edmund-hillary-tenzing-norgay/

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In part one of our series, we focus on the attempts to climb Everest in the 1930s, plus the life of New Zealander Edmund Hillary.

For images, maps, links and resources go to: https://explorerspodcast.com/edmund-hillary-tenzing-norgay/

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In June of 1924, George Mallory and Andrew 'Sandy' Irvine make a final attempt on Everest using oxygen.

Website, maps, links: https://explorerspodcast.com/george-mallory/

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George Mallory returns to Everest with the 1924 British Mount Everest Expedition.

Website (maps, links, resources): https://explorerspodcast.com/george-mallory/

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This episode covers the 1922 British Mount Everest Expedition, in which three attempts will be made on the summit of the mountain. While the expedition claimed the title for the highest climb in the world at the time, it would end in disaster.

Maps, resources and links: https://explorerspodcast.com/george-mallory/

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In 1921, the British Mount Everest reconnaissance expedition would travel to Asia in an attempt to scout out a route to Mount Everest - and a way to its summit. The expedition's star climber was George Mallory - who will be part of three attempts on the highest mountain in the world.

Website (maps, links, resources, photos): https://explorerspodcast.com/george-mallory/

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In our final episode on explorer Marco Polo, we take the Venetian merchant on one last mission for Kublai Khan. Marco - along with his father and uncle - were tasked with escorting a princess to Persia. The resulting mission will take the Polos - by ship - to Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and - finally - home. It will complete an epic 24 year, 15,000+ mile journey. 

Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/map-home.png

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In part 4 of our series on Marco Polo, we take the Venetian explorer along the eastern coast of China, following the extraordinary Grand Canal. For this journey, Marco will visit some of the most wondrous - and populace - cities in the world, including Hangzhou - the City of Heaven.

Website and resources: https://explorerspodcast.com/marco-polo/

Map:

10 American Presidents Podcast: http://www.10usp.com

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In part 3 of our series on Marco Polo, we do a dive into the Mongol World, including a look at the Kublai Khan. We then take Marco on his a trek to the most remote corners of China. 

History Hack Interview: https://historyhack.podbean.com/e/231-history-hack-historys-greatest-explorers/

https://explorerspodcast.com/marco-polo/

Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/map4.png

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Marco Polo and his family travel the Silk Road to reach the court of the legendary Kublai Khan.

Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/marco-polo/

Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/map3.png

People and Places

• Marco Polo – Venetian merchant and explorer
• Niccolò Polo – Father of Marco Polo
• Maffeo Polo – Brother of Niccolò, uncle of Marco
• Kublai Khan – Emperor of the Mongol Empire
• Khanbaliq – Capital of Mongol Empire (modern-day Beijing)
• Hormuz – Port at entrance of Persian Gulf
• Badakshan – City on Silk Road located in modern-day Uzbekistan
• Khotan – City in western China (today called Hotan)
• Shazhou – City on edge of Gobi Desert (today called Dunhuang)

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In part 1 of our series, we first take a look at the journey of Marco's father and uncle, Niccolò and Maffeo Polo, who traveled to China and met the great Kublai Khan. We then follow the Polo family as they prepare for a return mission into the heart of the Mongol Empire.

Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/marco-polo/

Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/polo-map1a.png

People and Places

Marco Polo - Venetian merchant and explorer

Niccolò Polo - Father of Marco Polo

Maffeo Polo - Brother of Niccolò, uncle of Marco

Kublai Khan - Emperor of the Mongol Empire

Teobaldo Visconti - Papal Legate in Acre - later Pope Gregory X

Venice - City State in Italy. Home of the Polos

Constantinople - Former capital of the Byzantine Empire

Acre - City on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in modern-day Israel

Ayes - City on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in modern-day Turkey

Khanbaliq - Capital of Mongol Empire (modern-day Beijing)

Bukhara - City on Silk Road located in modern-day Uzbekistan

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In the conclusion of our series, Brazza spends more than a decade as an administrator in Africa. He will then return to the Congo one final time, in 1905, to investigate the accusations of abuses against the native peoples.

Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/brazza/

Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/ogowe5.png

People and Places

• Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza - Born in Italy, but educated in France. Would join the French navy, and become interested in exploring Africa.
• Ogowe River (often spelled Ogooué or Ogoway) - River in central Africa that Brazza would explore.
• Congo River - River in central Africa.
• Livingstone Falls - 220 mile stretch on the Congo filled with rapids and waterfalls. Impassable for most river craft.
• Malamine Camara - Senegalese marine who would be Brazza's most trusted and capable comrade.
• Noël Ballay - Doctor on Brazza's first and second expedition to Africa.
• Charles de Chavannes - Friend and colleague of Brazza's in Africa.
• Thérèse de Chambrun - Wife of Brazza.
• Libreville - French outpost in what is modern-day Gabon.
• Francheville - Outpost established by Brazza at the confluence of the Ogowe and Passa rivers.
• Brazzaville - Outpost established by Brazza at the top of Livingstone Falls. Opposite the city of Leopoldville (now Kinshasha).
• Alima River - Tributary of the Congo. Controlled by the Bobangi people.
• Passa River - Tributary of the Ogowe. Location of Francheville.
• King Leopold II of Belgium - Monarch who wanted to take control of the Congo basin.
• Henry Morton Stanley - African explorer and journalist. Had crossed the continent and mapped the Congo River.
• Makoko - Important Bateke chief who would sign treaty with Brazza.

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In part 3 of our series, Brazza returns to Africa, where he will establish two outposts, including one on the Congo River. In the process, he will thwart many of the plans of King Leopold II of Belgium, who wants to make the entire Congo basin his own personal colony.

Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/brazza/

Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/ogowe5.png

People and Places

• Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza - Born in Italy, but educated in France. Would join the French navy, and become interested in exploring Africa.
• Ogowe River (often spelled Ogooué or Ogoway) - River in central Africa that Brazza would explore.
• Congo River - River in central Africa.
• Livingstone Falls - 220 mile stretch on the Congo filled with rapids and waterfalls. Impassable for most river craft.
• Malamine Camara - Senegalese marine who would be Brazza's most trusted and capable comrade.
• Noël Ballay - Doctor on Brazza's first and second expedition to Africa.
• Libreville - French outpost in what is modern-day Gabon.
• Francheville - Outpost established by Brazza at the confluence of the Ogowe and Passa rivers.
• Malebo Pool - aka the Pool and Stanley Pool. Lake located at the top of Livingstone Falls. Brazza would establish a post here, which would eventually become Brazzaville.
• Alima River - Tributary of the Congo. Controlled by the Bobangi people.
• Passa River - Tributary of the Ogowe. Location of Francheville.
• King Leopold II of Belgium - Monarch who wanted to take control of the Congo basin.
• Henry Morton Stanley - African explorer and journalist. Had crossed the continent and mapped the Congo River.
• International African Association - Organization established by King Leopold to help him gain control of central Africa.
• Makoko - Important Bateke chief who would sign treaty with Brazza.

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In part 2 of our series, Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza conducts his first African expedition up the Ogowe River.

Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/brazza/

Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/ogowe3.png

People and Places

• Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza - Born in Italy, but educated in France. Would join the French navy, and become interested in exploring Africa.
• Ogowe River (often spelled Ogooué or Ogoway) - River in central Africa that Brazza would explore.
• Noël Ballay - Doctor on Brazza's first expedition to Africa.
• Antoine-Alfred Marche - Naturalist on Brazza's first expedition to Africa.
• Victor Hamon - Naval officer who would be the quartermaster on Brazza's first expedition to Africa.
• Libraville - French outpost in what is modern-day Gabon.
• Lambarene - Town on the Ogowe River. Home to Chief Renoke.
• Renoke - Chief of the Enenga tribe.
• Enenga - A tribe living along the Ogowe River around the town of Lambarene.
• Okanda - A tribe living along the Ogowe River.
• Duma - A tribe living along the Ogowe River.
• Alima River - Tributary of the Congo. Controlled by the Bobangi people.
• Passa River - Tributary of the Ogowe.
• Louis de Montaignac - French admiral who would help Brazza gain admittance into the naval academy.
• Henry Morton Stanley - African explorer and journalist. Had crossed the continent and mapped the Congo River.

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In the first part of our series on Italian-born Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, we take a look at the world of Central Africa circa 1875, including the institution of slavery, and scramble by European powers to explore - and claim the continent. Brazza goes from the son of an Italian noble family, to being an officer in the French navy. He will then prepare to lead an expedition into the African interior - at the age of only 23.

Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/brazza/

Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/ogowe1.png

People and Places

• Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza - Born in Italy, but educated in France. Would join the French navy, and become interested in exploring Africa.
• Louis de Montaignac - French admiral who would help Brazza gain admittance into the naval academy.
• Libraville - French outpost in what is modern-day Gabon.
• Ogowe River (often spelled Ogooué or Ogoway) - River in central Africa that Brazza would explore.
• Noël Ballay - Doctor on Brazza's first expedition to Africa.
• Antoine-Alfred Marche - Naturalist on Brazza's first expedition to Africa.
• Victor Hamon - Naval officer who would be the quartermaster on Brazza's first expedition to Africa.

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In 219 BCE, Xu Fu, a Chinese explorer and alchemist, would set out in search of the elixir of life for Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Instead, legend says he discovered Japan - and maybe even became the island's first emperor.

Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/xu-fu/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/explorerspod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explorerspod/

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In the final super-sized episode (part 8) of the Burke and Wills Expedition, we take a look at the fate of John King – the last unaccounted for member of the VEE. We then cover the aftermath of the expedition, and look at the legacy of Burke and Wills and Victorian Exploring Expedition.

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In Part 7 of our series, Burke, Wills and King make a desperate stab at making for Mount Hopeless. While much closer than Menindee, the three men do not know the way or have accurate directions. Meanwhile, Wright and Brahe meet up, and make for the depot at Cooper's Creek. In Melbourne, the calls for a search party grown louder and louder with each passing week.

People and Places

• Robert O’Hara Burke – Leader of the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE)
• William Wills – British surveyor and astronomer. 2nd-in-command of the expedition.
• Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) – The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent.
• Hermann Beckler – German doctor and botanist.
• Ludwig Becker – German geologist and naturalist.
• William Wright – Bushman who joined the VEE at Menindee. Now leading the relief column to Cooper’s Creek.
• John King – 22-year old ex-soldier. Selected by Burke to be part of the contingent going to the north coast.
• Cooper’s Creek – River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. About 750 miles from Melbourne.
• Menindee – Most northerly outpost on the route of the VEE in their trek across Australia. About 400 miles from Melbourne.
• Gulf of Carpentaria – The most direct route from Victoria to the northern coast of Australia – roughly a 1500 mile journey across the continent.
• Mount Hopeless - a cattle station about 150 miles southwest of the depot at Cooper's Creek.
• Alfred Howitt - English explorer and naturalist who will be hired by the Royal Society of Victoria to head north and find out what has happened to Robert Burke and his men.

Links, resources and maps: https://explorerspodcast.com/

Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/map-part7.png

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In part 6 of our series, Robert Burke and his comrades begin their journey from the northern coast of Australia to the depot at Cooper's Creek. They are low on supplies and their health is waning. Meanwhile, William Wright struggles to get the needed supplies to depot, where the health of William Brahe and his men is deteriorating.

People and Places

• Robert O’Hara Burke – Leader of the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE)
• William Wills – British surveyor and astronomer. 2nd-in-command of the expedition.
• Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) – The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent.
• Hermann Beckler - German doctor and botanist.
• Ludwig Becker - German geologist and naturalist.
• William Wright - Bushman who joined the VEE at Menindee. Now leading the relief column to Cooper's Creek.
• John King - 22-year old ex-soldier. Selected by Burke to be part of the contingent going to the north coast.
• Thomas McDonough - VEE member who accompanied Burke and Wills to Cooper's Creek.
• Charley Gray - VEE member who was selected to go with Burke and Wills to the north coast of Australia. 
• Cooper’s Creek – River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. About 750 miles from Melbourne.
• Menindee - Most northerly outpost on the route of the VEE in their trek across Australia. About 400 miles from Melbourne.
• Gulf of Carpentaria - The most direct route from Victoria to the northern coast of Australia - roughly a 1500 mile journey across the continent.

Resources and links: https://explorerspodcast.com/

Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/burke_and_wills_map.png

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In part 5 of our series Robert Burke and William Wills lead a small contingent of men into the outback of Australia in an attempt to reach reach the north coast - and in the process become the first men to cross the continent.

People and Places

• Robert O’Hara Burke – Leader of the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE)
• William Wills – British surveyor and astronomer. 2nd-in-command of the expedition.
• Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) – The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent.
• John McDouall Stuart – Scottish explorer who was the chief competitor with the VEE to blaze a route across Australia.
• Hermann Beckler – German doctor and botanist.
• Ludwig Becker – German geologist and naturalist.
• William Wright – Bushman who joined the VEE at Menindee.
• John King – 22-year old ex-soldier. Selected by Burke to be part of the contingent going to the north coast.
• Dick – Aboriginal Guide who accompanied Burke – and then Lyons – to the north.
• Thomas McDonough – VEE member who accompanied Burke and Wills to Cooper’s Creek.
• Charley Gray – VEE member who was selected to go with Burke and Wills to the north coast of Australia.
• Cooper’s Creek – River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. About 750 miles from Melbourne.
• Menindee – Most northerly outpost on the route of the VEE in their trek across Australia. About 400 miles from Melbourne.
• Gulf of Carpentaria – The most direct route from Victoria to the northern coast of Australia – roughly a 1500 mile journey across the continent.
• Selwyn Range - Rugged mountain range in the interior of Australia that the expedition would need to cross.

Find maps and reading resources at: https://bit.ly/3eOMH0k

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In part 4 of our series, Burke and Wills travel north to Cooper's Creek, where they establish a supply depot. Burke will spend a month scouting the area to the north, before finally departing for the north coast in mid-December. At Menindee, William Wright waits for money to buy more horses so he can haul all the supplies to Burke's new camp. Meanwhile, a policeman, Trooper Myles Lyons, strikes out for Cooper's Creek carrying dispatches for Burke.

People and Places

• Robert O’Hara Burke – Leader of the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE)
• William Wills – British surveyor and astronomer. 2nd-in-command of the expedition.
• Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) – The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent.
• John McDouall Stuart – Scottish explorer who was the chief competitor with the VEE to blaze a route across Australia.
• Hermann Beckler - German doctor and botanist.
• Ludwig Becker - German geologist and naturalist.
• William Wright - Bushman who joined the VEE at Menindee. 
• John King - 22-year old ex-soldier. Selected by Burke to be part of the contingent going to the north coast.
• Trooper Myles Lyons - Policeman from Swan Hill bringing dispatches to Robert Burke. 
• Alexander McPherson - Saddler who would join Lyons and Dick in an attempt to reach Burke at Cooper's Creek.
• William Hodgkinson - Journalist who joined the expedition at Swan Hill.
• Dick - Aboriginal Guide who accompanied Burke - and then Lyons - to the north.
• Peter - Aboriginal Guide who accompanied Hermann Beckler to rescue Lyons and MacPherson.
• Thomas McDonough - VEE member who accompanied Burke and Wills to Cooper's Creek.
• Charley Gray - VEE member who was selected to go with Burke and Wills to the north coast of Australia. 
• Cooper’s Creek – River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. About 750 miles from Melbourne.
• Menindee - Most northerly outpost on the route of the VEE in their trek across Australia. About 400 miles from Melbourne.
• Gulf of Carpentaria - The most direct route from Victoria to the northern coast of Australia - roughly a 1500 mile journey across the continent.

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In part 3 of our series, the Victorian Exploring Expedition travels from Melbourne to the frontier outpost of Menindee on the Darling River. Along the way, the VEE will undergo a transformation as many key members will be fired (or resign), and others will join the company. Meanwhile, Robert Burke must dodge an arrest notice, criticism and his own ego to move the VEE forward.

Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/map2-1.png

People and Places

• Robert O’Hara Burke – Leader of the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE)
• George Landells – Horse trader who brought 25 camels to Australia, and 2nd-in-command of the VEE. Fired upon reaching Menindee.
• William Wills – British surveyor and astronomer. Named 2nd-in-command of the expedition after the dismissal of George Landells.
• Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) – The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent.
• John McDouall Stuart – Scottish explorer who would be the chief competitor with the VEE to blaze a route across Australia.
• Hermann Beckler - German doctor and botanist. mega at Menindee, but stayed on. 
• Ludwig Becker - German geologist and naturalist.
• William Wright - Bushman who would join Burke at Menindee as a guide. 
• Georg von Neumayer - Professor and member of the Exploration Committee. 
• John King - 22-year old ex-soldier. Came from India with camels. 
• William Hodgkinson - Journalist who joined expedition at Swan Hill. 
• Cooper’s Creek – River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. About 750 miles from Melbourne.
• Menindee - Most northerly outpost on the route of the VEE in their trek across Australia. About 400 miles from Melbourne.
• Gulf of Carpentaria - The most direct route from Victoria to the northern coast of Australia - roughly a 1500 mile journey across the continent.

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In part 2 of our series, Robert Burke and the Exploration Committee hire men for the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE), including William Wills - who will serve the expedition's surveyor, meteorologist, and astronomer. The VEE, consisting of 19 men, 26 camels, 23 horse, six wagons, and 200 tons of supplies, then prepares to depart Melbourne in August of 1860. The goal is to be the first men to cross the Australian continent.

Key People and Places

Robert O’Hara Burke – Leader of the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE).

George Landells – Horse trader who brought 25 camels to Australia, and second-in-command of the VEE.

William Wills – British surveyor and astronomer who was named as third-in-command of the VEE.

Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) – The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent.

John McDouall Stuart – Scottish explorer who is the chief competitor with the VEE to blaze a route across Australia.

Hermann Beckler - German doctor and botanist.

Ludwig Becker - German geologist and naturalist.

Captain Francis Cadell - Steamship owner and member of the Exploration Committee. Offered to take the company's supplies by boat to Menindee. 

Julia Matthews - 18 year old actress Burke had fallen in love with.

Cooper’s Creek – River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. About 750 miles from Melbourne.

Menindee - Most northerly outpost on the route of the VEE in their trek across Australia. About 400 miles from Melbourne.

Gulf of Carpentaria - The most direct route from Victoria to the northern coast of Australia - roughly a 1500 mile journey across the continent.

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The first episode in the Burke and Wills Expedition series provides background to the endeavor - which was an expedition to cross Australia in 1860-61. We are introduced to the organizers of the expedition - Royal Society of Victoria - and its eventual leader, Robert Burke.

Key people and places

1. Robert Burke - Irish police superintendent from Castlemaine. Will be named leader of the expedition.
2. Royal Society of Victoria - aka The Society. Scientific society based in Melbourne. They will organize the expedition.
3. Exploration Committee - The committee of the Society which oversaw the Burke and Wills Expedition.
4. Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) - The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent.
5. Sir William Stawell - Key member of the Exploration Committee, and Chief Justice of Victoria.
6. John Macadam - Secretary of the Exploration Committee.
7. John Bruce - Wealthy Australian businessman who supported Robert Burke's bid to lead the expedition.
8. Peter Edgerton Warburton - aka Major Warburton - Police Commissioner of South Australia and candidate to lead the VEE.
9. Gustov von Tempsky - Prussian adventurer and candidate to lead the VEE.
10. George Landells - Horse trader who would bring 25 camels to Australia to be part of the upcoming expedition. Would later be named second-in-command of the VEE.
11. Charles Sturt - British soldier who would explore Australia - discovering Cooper's Creek in 1844. 
12. John McDouall Stuart - Scottish explorer who would be the chief competitor with the VEE to blaze a route across Australia. 
13. Augustus Gregory - Explorer who had gone from Brisbane to Adelaide in 1858. He turned down the opportunity to lead the VEE, but recommended any expedition go to Cooper's Creek and set up a depot - and use it as a base for striking out to the north. 
14. Cooper's Creek - River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. 
15. William Wills - British surveyor and astronomer who will eventually become the second-in-command of the VEE. 

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Between 400-600 BCE, Hanno the Navigator of Carthage, conducted an epic voyage down the west coast of Africa - sailing more than 4,000 miles - reaching all the way to modern-day Gabon.

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In this episode, Cossack Vladimir Atlasov explores the Kamchatka Peninsula in the late 1690s - claiming it for the Russian Empire.

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Series wrap up. We look at the aftermath of the siege of Tenochtitlan. We also cover the rest of Cortés' life, and the lives of some of the key players in our series.

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In part 7 of our series on Hernán Cortés and the Conquest of Mexico, the Spanish and their allies converge on the Valley of Mexico and begin the siege of Tenochtitlan - which will signal the end of the Aztec Empire.

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In the wake of his defeat at Tenochtitlan, Cortés must fend off the Aztecs at the Battle of Otumba. He must then consolidate his forces, and plot his return to the Valley of Mexico - even while small pox ravages the empire.

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In Part 5 in our series on Hernán Cortés and the Conquest of Mexico, Cortés must deal with threats from the recently arrived Panfilo de Narvaez, and an uprising in Tenochtitlan. Things will end with the La Noche Triste - the Night of Sorrows (hint: that's won't end well for the Spanish). 

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In part 4 of our series on Hernán Cortés, the Spanish march into Tenochtitlan - the Aztec capital. In doing so, he will come face-to-face with the legendary Montezuma.

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In part three of our series on Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, the Spanish march west, encountering resistance from the independent Tlaxcalan people, as well as confronting possible treachery in the city of Cholula.

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Hernán Cortés forges an alliance with a discontented people, and establishes the first European settlement in New Spain - Vera Cruz. Also, he encounters the first emissaries of the Aztec Empire, who offer the Spanish a large bribe to leave their lands. Instead, Cortés becomes determined to travel to the heart of the Aztec Empire - Tenochtitlan.

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Hernán Cortés leads an army to Mexico to seek out the sophisticated lands to the west. The Spanish will find something they never imagined - the Aztec Empire.

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The Franklin Expedition disappears in the Canadian Arctic while trying to find the Northwest Passage. Part 2 in our series examines the tragic fate of Franklin, his men and their ships - and the 170+ years of searching for clues to the expedition's ultimate end.

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In 1845, Sir John Franklin leads two ships into the Arctic in search of the fabled Northwest Passage. The ships and crew were the finest England had to offer, however, after heading into Lancaster Sound - the entrance to the Passage - neither ship would be seen again.

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Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin set off in Apollo 11 for the first lunar landing in history.

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The final episode in our series on Francis Drake covers the years of 1581-1595, as Drake leads the fight against Spain, including Singeing the King of Spain's Beard, and the Spanish Armada.

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Francis Drake and Golden Hind head across the Pacific to the Spice Islands, before rounding the tip of Africa and returning to England

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In part 4 in our series, Francis Drake will lead his fleet into the Strait of Magellan. After surviving more than 50 days of storms, he will then proceed to attack Spanish shipping on the western coast of the Americas - capturing the greatest prize in English history. 

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In 1576, Francis Drake begins his circumnavigation of the globe. In this episode, Drake organizes his fleet, and then heads to the Strait of Magellan. However, he must deal with a potentially mutinous foe who could derail the entire expedition. 

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Francis Drake conducts three expeditions to the Caribbean, becoming the most hated main the Spanish Empire. 

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English explorer, privateer and captain Francis Drake comes of age in 16th century England. This episode talks about Drake's younger years, and details the voyages he made to Africa and the Caribbean in the 1560s - including his first command - and culminates in the Battle of San Juan de Ulúa in 1568. 

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Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão travels down the coast of west Africa in the 1480s, becoming the first European to discover the Congo River, and setting the stage for others to round the tip of the continent.

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The Lewis and Clark Expedition is complete, so let's take a look at what happen at what happened with the end of the epic journey across the country. We'll also see what happened to the people involved in the expedition, and take a look at the legacy of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of the Discovery.

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The Corps heads out of the Rockies and down the Missouri - the last leg of their epic journey.

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Lewis and Clark lead the Corps east - up the Columbia River and over the Rocky Mountains

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Lewis and Clark fight their way across the Rocky Mountains and make for the Pacific Coast. 

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Lewis and Clark struggle up the Missouri River and find that there is no easy route over the Rocky Mountains

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In the late summer and fall of 1804, Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery head into the lands of the powerful Sioux nation, aiming to reach the Mandan Villages, located near modern-day Bismarck, North Dakota.

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Lewis and Clark head up the Missouri River in the spring of 1804. 

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In Part 1 of our series, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark prepare to lead the Corps of Discovery west in an attempt to reach the Pacific Ocean. In this episode, we go into the background of the Louisiana Territory, discuss the man most responsible for the expedition (Thomas Jefferson), and look into the backgrounds of Lewis and Clark. We then get the two men to St. Louis as they assemble their expedition - and prepare to head into the unknown.

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In January of 1890, Nellie Bly sailed from Japan in her race around the world. And while the ocean voyage would present its own challenges, a massive snowstorm in the American west would threaten Bly's attempt to defeat Phileas Fogg - as well as her rival - Elizabeth Bisland.

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Delayed ships, monsoons and other obstacles test journalist Nellie Bly as she travels from France to Asia, Meanwhile, her rival in the race around the world, Elizabeth Bisland, threatens to upstage Bly by beating her back to New York. 

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In 1889, a New York Journalist, Nellie Bly, began a journey to civrcumnativage the globe. Her goal was to best Phileas Fogg - the hero of Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days." Little did she know that a rival publication would send their own reporter on a similar journey - only heading in the opposite direction - setting up a dramatic race that would capture the attention of the world. 

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In about 325 BCE Pytheas of Massalia begins one of the first great voyages of discovery when he sets out into the land of the Celts to find the legendary island of Britain. In the process, Pytheas will be the first known man to circumnavigate the island.

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In the final episode in our seven-part series on Christopher Columbus, the Admiral and his crew find themselves stranded on the island of Jamaica. 

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Columbus sets out on his fourth and final voyage. This time he's been ordered to find a passage to Asia - a voyage that will take him along the Central American coast.

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In his third voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus searched out the rumored lands to the south - and in the process, discover the South American continent.

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Part 4 in our series on Christopher Columbus details his exploration of Cuba and Jamaica, plus his subjugation of Hispaniola.

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Christopher Columbus heads to the New World for a second voyage. This time he has 17 ships and more than 1,200 men. The object is to establish a viable commercial enterprise in this newly discovered land.

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Christopher Columbus sets off on his historic first voyage - one that would become the most important voyage of discovery in history.

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Christopher Columbus tries to secure backing for an expedition to cross the Atlantic in a daring attempt to reach Asia.

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Francisco de Orellana heads down the Amazon River in a desperate bid to return to civilization.

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Francisco de Orellana and Gonzalo Pizarro head over the Andes in search of El Dorado - the City of Gold. Instead, they only find death, forcing Orellana to begin a desperate 4,000 mile journey down the Amazon to reach safety.

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Zheng He commands the legendary Chinese Treasure Fleet, which sailed the Indian Ocean in the 15th century

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Étienne Brûlé, the most famous of the Coureur de bois, explores the lands around the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes.

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In one of the greatest journeys of survival - and exploration - ever recorded, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca begins a 2,500 mile trek across Mexico in a bid to return to Spanish territory.

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Stranded and alone in modern day Texas, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca begins a remarkable eight year struggle to return home.

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Spanish conquistador Pánfilo de Narváez heads to Florida in search of gold - only to find lots and lots of misery.

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Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias becomes the man to round the southern tip of Africa.

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Mungo Park returns to West Africa with a large expedition, determined to map the Niger River and find the city of Timbuktu

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Scottish explorer Mungo Park ventures into West Africa to find the Niger River and the legendary city of Timbuktu

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Italian explorer John Cabot, sailing for England, becomes the first European to land in North America since Leif Erikson.

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The father and son duo of Erik the Red and Leif Erikson found the colony of Greenland, and become the first Europeans to arrive in North America.

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Zebulon Pike sets off into the Louisiana Territory

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American explorers, including Zebulon Pike, set out to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory

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Balboa sets off to find the mysterious sea on the other side of the mountains

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Balboa and the Spanish quest for gold leads him to establish the first permanent European colony in the Americas

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Juan Sebastián Elcano takes the reins of the fleet as they try and finish the circumnavigation of the world.

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Magellan and the Armada de Molucca set sail across the Pacific in search of the Spice Islands

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Magellan sets sail for South America to find the strait that will take him to the Western Sea

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We take a look at the background that led Magellan to undertake his expedition to the Spice Islands, including the rejection by his native land, Portugal. He then must navigate the intrigue of the Spanish court to assemble his fleet - the Armada de Molucca. 

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