Jakob Roggeveen
- Born:
- February 1, 1659, Middelburg, Dutch Republic
- Died:
- January 31, 1729, Middelburg, Dutch Republic
- Nationality:
- Dutch
- Profession(s):
- Explorer, Lawyer, Notary
Early Life and Education
- Baptized on February 1, 1659, in Middelburg.
- Studied law at the University of Harderwijk, graduating in 1690.
- Worked as a notary in Middelburg.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served as a councilor of justice in Batavia (now Jakarta, Indonesia) for the Dutch East India Company (VOC) from 1707 to 1714.
- Organized and led a Dutch West India Company expedition in 1721-1722 to search for Terra Australis (the Southern Continent).
- On Easter Sunday, April 5, 1722, discovered and named Easter Island (Rapa Nui).
- Explored and charted parts of the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Samoan Islands.
Notable Works
- The journal of his voyage is a primary source for understanding the early European encounter with Easter Island and other Pacific islands. While no books were published by Jakob Roggeveen, the account of his voyage has been included and analyzed in numerous historical and geographical works, informing later jakob roggeveen biography books.
Legacy and Impact
Jakob Roggeveen is remembered primarily for his expedition to the Pacific, which led to the European discovery of Easter Island and contributed to the geographical knowledge of the Pacific Ocean. His voyage opened new avenues for exploration and had a lasting impact on European understanding of the region.