Cornelis de Houtman

Dutch explorer of Southeast Asia

Cornelis de Houtman - Dutch explorer of Southeast Asia
Born

April 2nd, 1565
460 years ago

Died

September 1st, 1599
425 years ago — 34 years old

Category

Explorers & Adventurers

Country

Netherlands

Links & References

Born in 1565, this explorer led the first Dutch expedition to the East Indies, opening new trade routes for the Netherlands. After initial voyages to Spain and Portugal, he sailed to the Indian Ocean, ultimately reaching present-day Indonesia. His expeditions marked the beginning of the Dutch colonial era in Asia and contributed to the establishment of the Dutch East India Company.

Led the first Dutch expedition to the East Indies

Contributed to the establishment of Dutch trade routes in Asia

Pioneered exploration efforts in the Indian Ocean

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