# Frederick de Houtman

> Dutch explorer, navigator, and colonial governor (1571–1627)

**Wikidata**: [Q257948](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q257948)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_de_Houtman)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/frederick-de-houtman

## Summary
Frederick de Houtman (1571–1627) was a Dutch explorer, navigator, and colonial governor best known for his role in early Dutch maritime expeditions to the East Indies. He contributed significantly to Dutch colonial expansion and cartography during the Age of Exploration.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1571 (exact place unknown)
- **Nationality**: Dutch (Seventeen Provinces, later Dutch Republic)
- **Education**: Not specified in source material
- **Known for**: Dutch explorer, navigator, and colonial governor
- **Employer(s)**: Not specified in source material
- **Field(s)**: Exploration, navigation, colonial governance

## Contributions
Frederick de Houtman participated in early Dutch voyages to the East Indies, helping establish Dutch trade routes and colonial presence. His work as a navigator and governor contributed to the Dutch Republic's expansion during the Age of Exploration. He is also associated with the asteroid **10650 Houtman**, named in his honor.

## FAQs
**Who was Frederick de Houtman?**
Frederick de Houtman was a Dutch explorer, navigator, and colonial governor active during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He played a key role in Dutch maritime expeditions to the East Indies.

**What was Frederick de Houtman's role in Dutch colonial history?**
He served as a navigator and governor, contributing to the Dutch Republic's colonial expansion and trade networks in Asia.

**Is there anything named after Frederick de Houtman?**
Yes, the asteroid **10650 Houtman** is named in his honor.

## Why They Matter
Frederick de Houtman was instrumental in the Dutch Republic's early colonial and maritime ambitions, helping secure trade routes and territorial influence in the East Indies. His work laid the foundation for the Dutch Golden Age and the Republic's rise as a global power.

## Notable For
- Dutch explorer and navigator during the Age of Exploration
- Colonial governor in the East Indies
- Namesake of asteroid **10650 Houtman**

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Frederick de Houtman was born in 1571, likely in the Seventeen Provinces (modern-day Netherlands). He lived during a period of Dutch maritime expansion and colonial ambition.

### Career and Expeditions
De Houtman was a key figure in early Dutch voyages to the East Indies, serving as a navigator and later as a colonial governor. His expeditions contributed to the Dutch Republic's establishment of trade routes and colonial outposts in Asia.

### Legacy and Recognition
His contributions to Dutch exploration and colonial governance are recognized in the naming of asteroid **10650 Houtman**. He remains a notable figure in the history of the Dutch Republic's maritime and colonial endeavors.

### Related Entities
- **Dutch Republic**: The sovereign state (1581–1795) under which de Houtman served.
- **Seventeen Provinces**: The historical union of states in the Netherlands where he was born.
- **10650 Houtman**: The asteroid named in his honor.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Repertorium van Nederlandse kaartmakers