Hans Pothorst facts for kids
Hans Pothorst was an important sailor and explorer who lived from about 1440 to 1490. He was probably from a German city called Hildesheim.
Some historians, like Sofus Larsen and Thomas P. Hughes, believe that Hans Pothorst might have sailed to North America in the 1470s. He may have gone with another explorer named Didrik Pining. This would have been almost 20 years before Christopher Columbus made his famous voyages.
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Hans Pothorst's Life
Not much is known about Hans Pothorst, but his name often appears with Didrik Pining. Like Pining, Pothorst was likely from Hildesheim, a city in Germany.
Early Sailing Career
Pothorst worked on a warship called Bastian for the city of Hamburg. His time on this ship officially ended on July 1, 1473.
North Atlantic Expedition
Sometime in the 1470s, King Christian I of Denmark sent Pining, Pothorst, and João Vaz Corte-Real on a big sailing trip. This journey was to explore the North Atlantic Ocean. During King Christian I's rule, Pothorst and Pining were known as very skilled sailors. They were also known as "privateers," which means they were allowed by their government to capture enemy ships.
Home in Denmark
It is thought that Pothorst lived in Helsingør, a town in Denmark. A painting of him and his coat of arms (a special family symbol) was made there. This painting is part of eight ceiling artworks in the local St. Mary's Church.
This church art is one of the most famous Danish artworks from the 1400s. If Hans Pothorst paid for these paintings, it means he was a very rich person.
Later Life
Later in his life, Pothorst continued to be a privateer. Old writings, like the Skibby Chronicle, mention Pothorst and Pining. These writings suggest they faced difficult ends to their lives.
See also
In Spanish: Hans Pothorst para niños
