Chapter 2 Section 1 The First Global Age: Europe and Asia

Europeans Explore the SeasTrade existed between Europeans and

Asia since the time of the crusadesMost valued items were spices (such as pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) that were used to preserve and flavor food

Motives for Exploration

wealthdesire to learn about new landsspread Christianity

Improved TechnologyCartographers (map makers) created more accurate maps

Astrolabe- used to determine latitude at sea

Larger and better ships

Astrolabe Device used to measure the angles of the sun and stars above the horizon.

Portugal Sails Eastwardlead the way in exploration with the help of

Prince Henrymapping the African coast

wanted to expand Christianity and find African gold

Bartholomeu Dias rounded the southern tip of Africa which opened-up a sea route to Asia

On to IndiaVasco da Gama reached IndiaCreated a vast trading empire

Prince Henry of Portugal

•Sometimes known as Henry the navigator•He helped Portugal become the leader in exploration

Columbus Sails West

wanted to find a route to the Indies and discovered new land instead

trip was financed by Spain Columbus landed in the Caribbean islands and called the people Indians thinking that he had landed in the Indies.

Christopher Columbus

An Italian navigator, but was funded by Spain to make his famous voyage.