Olivier van Noort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Olivier van Noort
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| Born | 1558 |
| Died | 22 February 1627 |
| Known for | First Dutchman to circumnavigate the world. |
Olivier van Noort (born 1558 – died 1627) was a Dutch merchant captain. He became famous as the first Dutchman to sail all the way around the world. This incredible journey is called a circumnavigation.
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Olivier van Noort's Big Adventure
Olivier van Noort was born in Utrecht, Netherlands, in 1558. He was a brave sailor who decided to try something amazing. He wanted to sail around the entire world!
Setting Sail for New Lands
On July 2, 1598, Olivier van Noort left the city of Rotterdam with four ships. His main goals were to explore and to challenge Spanish control in the Pacific Ocean. At this time, the Netherlands and Spain were fighting in a long conflict called the Eighty Years' War. Van Noort also hoped to trade with places like China and the Spice Islands.
His ships were not the best. They didn't have many weapons, and the sailors were sometimes difficult to manage. But Van Noort was determined to continue his journey.
Sailing Around South America
Van Noort bravely sailed through the Strait of Magellan, a very narrow and tricky waterway at the bottom of South America. While in the strait, his crew had a conflict with some of the local Selknam living there.
As he continued his journey, he captured several ships along the Pacific coast of South America. Unfortunately, he lost two of his own ships during a big storm. One of his largest ships, the Hendrick Frederick, was wrecked near Ternate in the Maluku Islands.
Adventures in the Philippines
By late 1600, Van Noort had only two ships left: the Mauritius and the Eendracht. He set up a base near Corregidor Island in Manila Bay in the Philippines. From here, he started attacking ships that were sailing to and from Manila. The Spanish considered these actions to be piracy.
This situation led to a sea battle near Fortune Island on December 14, 1600. The Spanish lost their main ship, a large galleon called the San Diego. Years later, in 1992, the wreck of the San Diego was found, filled with valuable items like porcelain and gold! However, the Spanish managed to capture Van Noort's ship, the Eendracht. This made it too difficult for Van Noort to stay in the Philippines, so he had to leave.
The Long Journey Home
Olivier van Noort returned to Rotterdam on August 26, 1601. He had only one ship left, the Mauritius, and just 45 of his original 248 men. He sailed back home by way of what would later be called the Dutch East Indies and around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa.
His long journey didn't make much money, but it was a huge inspiration for others. Just a few months later, a very important company called the Dutch East India Company was formed. This company would go on to play a big role in trade and exploration for the Netherlands.
Olivier van Noort's voyage is also told in a children's book called The Golden Keys by Hans Koning. It's a fun, fictionalized version of his amazing trip around the world.
