Early humans arrived in North America around 12,000-14,000 years ago via the Bering Strait. Advanced civilizations like the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans developed in Mexico, Peru, and Central America. European contact began with Vikings led by Leif Erickson reaching Newfoundland around 1000 AD. Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal established the Lisbon observatory and sponsored explorers like Bartholomew Diaz and Vasco da Gama, expanding Portugal's overseas exploration and conquest between 1400-1600. Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain sponsored Christopher Columbus, leading to Spanish conquest of Aztec Mexico and Inca Peru by conquistadores like Cortes, Balboa, and P