A Dutch explorer who led the first European expedition to discover Easter Island in 1722, uncovering its mysterious giant moai statues.
Jacob Roggeveen is renowned for being the first European to set foot on Easter Island, landing on Easter Sunday in 1722. This monumental discovery marked a significant milestone in his expedition to find Terra Australis, a mythical southern continent.
Born on February 1, 1659, in Middelburg, Zeeland, Roggeveen came from a family of scholars. His father, Arend Roggeveen, was a mathematician with a deep understanding of astronomy, geography, and navigation. This exposure sparked Jacob's interest in exploration from an early age.
Roggeveen pursued a career in law, graduating as a doctor of law from the University of Harderwijk in 1690. He went on to become a notary in Middelburg and later joined the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC) in 1706. During his time with the VOC, he served as a Raadsheer van Justitie (Council Lord of Justice) in Batavia, Dutch East Indies (now Jakarta), from 1707 to 1714.
Roggeveen's involvement in religious controversies led him to publish several leaflets, including "De val van 's werelds afgod" (The fall of the world's idol), which sparked a heated debate. The first part of the series was published in 1718, but it was confiscated and burned by the city council, prompting Roggeveen to flee to nearby Flushing.
In 1721, Roggeveen embarked on an expedition sponsored by the Dutch West India Company to find Terra Australis, a mythical southern continent. With three ships, he set sail from the Netherlands, accompanied by his cousin, Jan Hondius. During this journey, he discovered Easter Island, which he named Paaseiland (Easter Island), as well as the islands of Bora Bora and Maupiti in the Society Islands, and later Samoa.
Roggeveen's discovery of Easter Island opened up new avenues for European exploration and colonization in the Pacific. His expedition marked a significant milestone in the history of Dutch exploration and contributed to the expansion of the Dutch Empire.
Roggeveen married twice, first to Marija Margaerita Vincentius, who died in 1694, and then to Anna Adriana Clement, who passed away soon after their marriage. He returned to Middelburg in 1714 and lived a quiet life until his death on January 31, 1729, at the age of 69.
Jacob Roggeveen's remarkable journey and discoveries have left an indelible mark on the history of exploration, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of adventurers and scholars.
41 Years Old
A Welsh rugby union player who captained Wales and the British and Irish Lions, known for his exceptional skill and leadership on the pitch.
