1728

Bering Sails the Strait That Will Bear His Name

August 14, 1728

A Danish captain in Russian service, Vitus Bering pushed a tiny vessel north through the fog and ice beyond Kamchatka until he found open water on both sides. He could not see America through the mist, but he had proved Asia was an island. Peter the Great's last commission had been fulfilled.

More from 1728 Enlightenment

In context

Also in 1728 (3 other events on record)

Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I Rises · South Asia · War
The Beggar's Opera Premieres · Europe · Culture
Pope's Dunciad · Europe · Culture

Before and after in Europe

Before: June 11, 1727: George II Ascends the British Throne
After: October 1, 1729: A Modest Proposal

Before and after in Exploration

Before: June 1726: Montevideo Founded
After: October 11, 1737: Calcutta Cyclone of 1737

Era

Enlightenment (1651–1800), one of 696 events from that era on Saeculum.