Exploration

The history of geographic knowledge is closely bound up with explorations. Exploration is a means by which the geographical horizons and imaginations of cultures and peoples are extended, bringing the unknown world into the known.

Historically, explorations required curiosity and initiative as motivating forces, as well as endurance and force to stand up to the perils that harsh climates, hostile landscapes, and rough waters present; but above all, they require a courageous temperament to face the unknown. As centuries went by, new aims were added to the list of the reasons for exploring other regions and continents: economic and commercial goals, political conquest, or scientific missions that allowed people to acquire a deeper familiarity with the planet. Nowadays, virtually no place on Earth remains unexplored.

When explorations involved territorial conquests, they typically involved territories that were already inhabited by other populations. Explorations under these circumstances often turned into brutal aggression toward the locals. For example, the principle of Terra Nullius, a Latin expression meaning “nobody's land,” was applied during the 16th century by European conquerors in many colonized areas of the world and neglected the rights of indigenous peoples. Despite those tragedies, however, adventurous travel and mapping of new territories greatly contributed to the development of geographic knowledge.

The history and geography of exploration make up a complex tale in which power and economic and military imperatives are interwoven with the biographies and (often colorful) personalities of individuals. Although the term seems archaic today, exploration has long been central to the formation of geographic knowledge. This entry offers a general overview on geographic explorations, focusing on some of the most fascinating protagonists and events.