Explorers

1400’s – 1600’s

I. Who were the Vikings?

A. Farmers and the earliest explorers that sailed from Greenland

B. Leif Eriksson – In 1002 explored Canada and called it Vinland

II. Who was Marco Polo?

A. He traveled in

B. He traveled from Europe to Asia

C. His travels established land trade routes to Asia

1261

III. Why did Europeans want to find a water route to Asia?

B. Land travel became too dangerous to travel

C. European Kings were willing to pay sailors to find a water route to Asia

A. Europeans wanted the spices, jewels, and porcelain that was found in Asia not Europe

IV. Who was Christopher Columbus?

A. Born in Italy

B. As a young man , got a job as a sailor in Portugal

C. In 1492, asked Spanish King Ferdinand for 3 ships to find route to AsiaD. Claimed Bahamas for Spain with the Nina, Santa Marie, and Pinta ships

And the race was on! Who would find Asia first???? England, Portugal, Italy, or France……………..!?.!?.!?.!

V. Who was Giovanni Da Verranzano?

A. Sailed for France

B. Explored the New York Bay in 1524

C. Never landed in New World because of hostile Native Americans