Abel Tasman Bio, Birthday, Birthsign, Birthplace, Height and Profession

Abel Tasman, born on August 2, 1603, in the Dutch Republic, was a renowned explorer and navigator during the 17th century. His expeditions played a significant role in the exploration and mapping of the Pacific region. Here are the facts about Abel Tasman: 1. Early Life: Abel Tasman was born in Lutjegast, a small village in the province of Groningen, in the Dutch Republic (now the Netherlands). 2. Maritime Career: Tasman began his career as a seafarer in the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in 1633. He served as a merchant and bookkeeper before becoming a master navigator. 3. First Voyage: In 1642, Tasman embarked on his first major expedition, commissioned by the VOC. He commanded two ships, the Heemskerck and the Zeehaen, with the objective of finding the fabled southern continent. 4. Discovery of Tasmania: During his first voyage, Tasman sighted the island now known as Tasmania on November 24, 1642. He named it "Van Diemen's Land" after the Governor-General of the VOC, Anthony van Diemen. 5. Encounter with Indigenous People: Tasman's crew had several encounters with the indigenous people of Tasmania, but due to language barriers and misunderstandings, these interactions were often tense and resulted in violent clashes. 6. New Zealand Exploration: Continuing his first voyage, Tasman sailed further east and became the first European to sight New Zealand on December 13, 1642. He named it "Staten Landt" after the States General of the Netherlands. 7. Pacific Exploration: Tasman's first voyage also included the exploration of parts of the Pacific, including the Fiji Islands, Tonga, and the northern coast of New Guinea. 8. Second Voyage: In 1644, Tasman embarked on his second expedition, this time with the objective of mapping the northern coast of Australia. However, adverse weather conditions and encounters with hostile indigenous populations limited his progress. 9. Legacy: Tasman's voyages significantly contributed to the European understanding of the Pacific region. His maps and charts were used by subsequent explorers and navigators for many years. 10. Death: Abel Tasman died on October 10, 1659, in Batavia (now Jakarta, Indonesia), while serving as a senior official in the VOC. He was buried in the church of St