The Einstein Telescope (ET), a proposed European ground-based gravitationalwave detector of third-generation, is an evolution of second-generation detectors such as Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo, and KAGRA which could be operating in the mid 2030s. ET will explore the universe with gravitational waves up to cosmological distances. We discuss its main scientific objectives and its potential for discoveries in astrophysics, cosmology and fundamental physics. 1 1 Prepared for submission to the ESFRI Roadmap, on behalf of the ET steering committee.