home

= Unit 1: An Introduction to the The Age of Exploration. =

**An Introduction**
The Age of Exploration, also known as the Age of Discovery, starting in the early 1400s and continuing into the late 1700s. During this time, Europeans travelled the world's oceans, establishing direct links with with Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania and, in so doing, mapping the planet. The Age of Exploration can be considered as a 'bridge' between the world of the Middle Ages and the Modern era - along with the Renaissance, the age of exploration triggered an expansion of knowledge and economic wealth, changing our world forever.

The voyages of discovery changed the way Europeans thought of the world and their place in it. The explorations brought new knowledge about geography and proved some old beliefs wrong.Geographers made more accurate maps that reflected this new knowledge. Improved mapmaking also helped shape a new European worldview. For the first time Europeans could see maps of the whole world. They saw new lands and possible trade routes. By controlling the trade routes and the resources in the new lands, they might gain great wealth. Voyages of discovery brought the beginning of a new period in which Europeans would spread their influence around the world. Take a look at the following maps - the Roman view of the World (3 large land masses called Europe, Africa and Asia surrounded by a great ocean), dominated the way of thinking right into the Middle Ages.
 * What did Europeans know of the World? Maps through time.... **

**So.....What actually led to the Voyages of Discovery??**
Firstly, "**__GOLD"__** Europe had traded with the 'East' (India and China) for over a thousand years - Europeans needed Spices and luxury goods such as Silk (see the Trade Routes map below). Trade was an overland venture, with 'caravans' bringing goods along established 'roads'. Italy and Egypt controlled these trade routes to Asia, charging very high prices for spices. In fact, pepper cost more than gold. In addition, due to the rise of the Ottoman Empire (who conquered Constantinople in the 1450s) the trade routes were becoming more and more dangerous, so prices of goods were increasing rapidly. Therefore, finding a 'sea route' to India became increasingly important - and whoever did would become incredibly wealthy! 'Gold' was therefore a powerful incentive.

Secondly, **__"GOD"__** Religion gave explorers another reason to set sail. European Christians wanted to convert more people to their religion to counteract the spread of Islam in Europe, Africa, and Asia. A powerful 'story' of a Christian Kingdom in the East, controlled by a devout Christian called Prester John, also acted as an incentive. 'God' was a second reason.

Thirdly, **__"GLORY"__** Simple curiosity was also an important motivation for exploration. Many people read stories of Marco Polo’s travels and other explorers’ adventures. They learned about new lands and creatures, and they became curious about the world. They wanted the glory it would bring themselves and their country! **Advances in Technology** Whatever their reasons for exploring, Europeans wouldn’t have got very far without advances in technology. Sailors started using the astrolabe and the compass to find routes they could follow to reach faraway places and return safely home. More accurate maps allowed sailors to sail from one port to another without having to stay right along the coast. Before these advances, most sailors avoided the open sea out of fear they might not find their way back to land.

Other advances, mainly by the Portuguese, came in shipbuilding. They began building ships called caravels. Caravels used triangular sails that, unlike traditional square sails, allowed ships to sail against the wind. By replacing oars on the ship’s sides with rudders at the back of the ship, the Portuguese also improved the steering of ships. The new ships helped Portuguese sailors take the lead in exploring (see the picture of a Caravel below): Unit 1: An Introduction to the The Age of Exploration: __QUESTIONS:__
 * 1) Take a look at the maps of the world. Explain the medieval view of the world.
 * 2) What were the motives to start exploring?
 * 3) What factors existed that helped early exploration?

media type="youtube" key="DtpuBsLHMd8?version=3" height="360" width="640"

media type="youtube" key="1G7gVC7SUNs?version=3" height="360" width="640" = =