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Week One: Explorers – The Age of Discovery
Objective: to learn the timeframes and overview of the Age of Discovery
Lesson 1: Overview
Ptolemy’s World Map from the 2nd Century
The Age of Discovery began primarily with Portugal and Spain. Portugal began the systematic mapping of the Atlantic and the coast of Africa in the early 1400s. Spain focused their attention on the new world and the Americas. France, England, and the Dutch all joined in the exploration and discovery but much later.
There were many reasons exploration by ship became important. The old trade routes along the Silk Road were now under Muslim control, and many Europeans could no longer trade over the old land routes. There were also technological advances in shipbuilding and compasses that made navigation and travel by sea much easier. Explorers were also looking to discover riches for their country.
There were many famous explorers during this time. Some of the first were Leif Eriksson and Prince Henry the Navigator. Later explorers include men like Christopher Columbus and Vasco de Gama. Many of the famous names in navigation can be found in areas and countries across the Americas.
Whatever reason these explorers had for their desire to discover new routes or lands, it changed the world forever. Empires grew from newly found land and resources. The understanding of the world and its lands grew.
Activity
Identify Portugal, Spain, and Italy. Which area is called the Iberian Peninsula?
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