AIM: Why did European interest in India spark the Age of Exploration?

Do Now: What were some of the reasons for European exploration?

HW: Write a journal entry as if you were an explorer on Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India.

What were the reasons for European sea exploration?What were the reasons for European sea exploration?

New & New & Improved Improved

TechnologyTechnology

Compass

Caravel

Sextant

Astrolabe

Pre-1492Pre-1492

15081508

Present DayPresent Day

The Ottoman Empire seized control of Constantinople in 1453. This hurt Europe because they conducted a lot of trading with Asia,

particularly for spices. With the trade routes through Constantinople now cut off, Europe needed to find another way to

reach the East.

No spice for you!!

Henry the Navigator Henry the Navigator

• Portuguese Portuguese explorer.explorer.

• opened a school opened a school for navigation in for navigation in 1419.1419.

• Started exploration Started exploration going south along going south along the coast of Africa.the coast of Africa.

Bartolomeo DiasBartolomeo Dias

• Portuguese Portuguese explorer.explorer.

• Sailed to the Sailed to the southern tip of southern tip of Africa, which Africa, which became known as became known as the Cape of Good the Cape of Good Hope (1487)Hope (1487)

Vasco da GamaVasco da Gama

• Portuguese Portuguese explorerexplorer

• Sailed the first all-Sailed the first all-water route from water route from Europe to Asia Europe to Asia (1498)(1498)