description Semyon Dezhnev Overview
Semyon Dezhnev was a Russian Cossack and explorer. In 1648 he led the first known European voyage through the strait separating Asia from North America, which was later named the Bering Strait. The expedition sailed along the Arctic coast of Siberia. Dezhnev's route demonstrated the separation of the two continents decades before Vitus Bering's voyage.
help Semyon Dezhnev FAQ
What did Semyon Dezhnev discover in 1648?
In 1648, Semyon Dezhnev led the first known European voyage through the strait separating Asia from North America. The passage was later named the Bering Strait.
What route did Dezhnev's expedition follow?
The expedition traveled along the Arctic coast of Siberia before reaching the strait between Asia and North America. It demonstrated that the two continents were separated by a navigable passage.
Was Semyon Dezhnev a Russian explorer?
Yes, Dezhnev was a Russian Cossack and explorer. His 1648 voyage took place decades before Vitus Bering's better-known 1728 passage through the same region.
Why is the strait called the Bering Strait instead of the Dezhnev Strait?
The waterway was later named for Danish-Russian explorer Vitus Bering, even though Dezhnev's expedition passed through it in 1648. Dezhnev's earlier route was not widely recognized in Europe at the time.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
