Abel Tasman

Explorer

Birthday August 2, 1603

Birth Sign Leo

Birthplace Dutch Republic

DEATH DATE Dec 4, 1659 (56)

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About

Well-known explorer known for embarking on numerous expeditions to the Greenland Sea, the Barents Sea, and a scientific and commercial journey to the Persian Gulf.

Before Fame

He briefly worked as a fisherman after attending a stint at the Free University of Brussels where he studied engineering.

Trivia

He had numerous geographical features named after him in Greenland and Antarctica.

Family Life

He was married twice and had three children.

Associated With

He and action movie star Jean Claude Van Damme were both born in Belgium.