Polar History
The great names of polar exploration are Amundsen, Franklin, Scott, Shackleton, Mawson, Nansen and Nordenskjold. Each pushed the limits of human endurance. Some lived to tell about it: Others died. We celebrate their courage and accomplishments during several expedition cruises.
Photos of Historic Places in the Arctic and Antarctica
Who`s Who in Polar Exploration
Roald Amundsen took three years to complete the first transit of the Northwest Passage by ship. He is also the first human to reach the South Pole, just five weeks before Robert Falcon Scott. Ernest Shackleton is known as much for his failures as for his successes, particularly his rescue of the men of the expedition vessel Endurance. Douglas Mawson, Australia`s national hero, traversed Antarctica`s Far East alone, without a sled and with insufficent supplies. He lived to tell about the manner in which his companions died during the journey. Fridtjof Nansen was the first true Arctic explorer, and hero to all polar explorers who ventured after him. Otto Nordenskjold was miraculously rescued and reunited the scattered members of his expedition. His exploits are as gripping as Shackleton`s.
