EXPLORERS
New World Encounters
Multiple Viewpoints
Tools of Exploration
Magnetic Compass- Chinese invention.
Gave a reliable sense of direction.
Astrolabe – Greek invention.
Used to find latitude by
computing the distance of the sun
from the horizon. Could not be
used on cloudy days. Difficult to
use on a ship.
Sextant – Replaced the astrolabe.
More accurate and easier to use on a
ship.
Viking Longship &
Chinese Junk
Viking Longships came in different
sizes. They were open so sailing was
often a cold, wet adventure. They
used both the wind and rowers to
propel the ship. The largest ships
could have up to 60 rowers.
Chinese junks were another type
of ship. They had many different
interior compartments. It made
the ship more watertight and
harder to sink.
Caravel & Carrack
Caravel Carrack
Ships sailed by European explorers were the
Carrack and Caravel. These ships used new
technology such as new building techniques,
sternpost rudder, square and lanteen sails (which
are triangular in shape). These advances allowed
the ships to sail on the oceans no matter which
directions the wind was blowing.
Ships of Exploration
Early Maps
Portolan Map -
This map showed safe routes sailors
could use with a compass. Began to be
made in the 1300’s in Italy, Portugal
and Spain.
Ptolemy Map – Claudius Ptolemy created this
map in the second century. This maps was an
accurate land maps but oceans calculations
were inaccurate. The first globe was based on
the Ptolemic map. This globe also inspired
many explorers to cross the ocean looking for
the Orient (Asia).
European View of the World
Influences Exploration
Maps were of lands and not of oceans. Maps were round but not
accurate. Europeans did not know the land of the Western
Hemisphere existed.
People were also looking for personal and national glory.
Monarchs wanted the wealth but also wanted new lands and
resources.
Churches wanted to share their religion with new peoples.
The monarchs and banks of Europe wanted a cheaper, faster, safer
way to bring back the delights of the Orient. So they sailed south
around Africa or directly west to get to China and India.
Delights of the Orient
SPICES from the Orient – Cinnamon, Pepper, Dill, Garlic, Cloves, Ginger, Curry,
Basil and even more
Why did the Europeans want spices? Especially the new ones.
1. Flavor food
2. Preserve food
3. Medicinal purposes
4. Make food taste better when going bad
5. Mask offensive odors
SILK – Most textiles from Europe at this time were linen and wool.
Silk was a new fabric that was much softer and able to be dyed in
much brighter colors.
PORCELAIN- This was also new to Europe. Plates and bowls were made of wood
or pottery. Only the very wealthy could afford porcelain as it was very fragile and
difficult to bring back over land using horses and camels.
Reasons/ Motivations for
Exploration
Marco Polo
Not just a game played in the pool.
Lesser Known Explorers
Marco Polo
Amerigo Vespucci
Vikings
Zheng Ho
Explorers from where??
New World
Old World