The Age of Exploration Braving the “Sea of Darkness” 1000-1650 A.D

The Age of Exploration

Braving the “Sea of Darkness”

1000-1650 A.D.

We have studied many important explorers and

their voyages…

Now it is your turn to be the explorer!

Our goals for today:Recognize that travel in 1500 was very different than it is today.

Expand our knowledge about what it took to prepare for a successful sea voyage.

Use our knowledge about the Age of Exploration.

Have fun!

Your assignment…

Take out your notebook and a pen or pencil.Listen carefully to my lecture about ocean voyages.Do not worry about writing everything down, but be ready to write down information when you see a:

First things first

Getting into the mindset of a 16th century explorer…

Many myths existed that told the dangers of the sea

You no longer have access to knowledge of

the 21st century.

You must rely on 16th century knowledge.

You will not be traveling by airplane…

Or by modern boat…

You will not have the benefits of modern cartography.

Or modern navigational equipment.

Cockpit of airplane

You will travel as explorers did in the 16th century.

This is the world as you know it.

Cantino - 1502

Compare the two globes.What differences do you see?

1507 Present day

Things to consider before departing on you voyage:

1. Destination2. Home country3. Course4. Motive5. Vessel6. Crew7. Navigational equipment8. Provisions

1. Destination

What is your destination?China?

India?

The New World?

Africa?

2. Home Country

Where are you sailing from?SpainPortugalEnglandFranceThe NetherlandsItaly

Map of Europe in 1500

3. CourseHow do you plan to get where you want to go?

Will you sail due west?

Will you travel around the tip of Africa?

Will you search for the Northwest Passage?

Caveri 1504-05

Don’t forget… this is the world as you know it.

You will need to pay attention to the way ocean currents and trade winds

may influence routes.

Movie

4. MotiveWhy are you braving the “Sea of Darkness?”What is your goal?

To find a shorter trade route to China and India?To discover great riches?To spread Catholicism?To discover new lands?

5. VesselWhat ship will you take on your voyage?

In 1500, the two most popular choices were the Nao and the Caravel.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of each?

NaoStrengths:

Large

Lots of cargo space

Weaknesses:Slower

Not easily navigated

Example: Santa Maria

CaravelStrengths:

Rudders and sails to steer – even against the wind

Faster

Weaknesses:Less cargo space

Example: Nina and Pinta

6. CrewYou will have a crew of 30 people.

Who would you want to be on your crew?A cook?

A doctor?

A navigator?

A cartographer?

Crewmembers?

Importance of crewmembers

Sailing a ship requires a lot of manpower (women did not accompany men on voyages until colonies were being established).

Operating sails

Emptying bilge, or water that collects at the bottom of the ship

7. Navigational EquipmentThe King and Queen who are sponsoring your voyage only have a limited amount of money. You will need to choose which navigational instruments to bring with you. You can choose one or two of the following:

an astrolabe a magnetic compass a quadrant

How will you decide which to bring?

AstrolabeStrengths:

Measures latitude based on the position of the stars or sun when they are due North.

Weaknesses:Cannot measure longitude.4-5 degrees error.

Magnetic CompassStrengths:

Detects due North.

Helps sailors to be guided by Pole Star.

Weaknesses:Wire drawn by large land masses.

Wire can lose its magnetic charge.

QuadrantStrengths

Determines latitude.

Used Pole Star as point of reference.

WeaknessesLess accurate near equator as Pole Star changes position in the sky.

8. ProvisionsYour journey is expected to last two months.

What provisions, or supplies, will you need for your crew of 30 people?

Remember, your voyage is taking place in the year 1500 – refrigeration has not been invented yet.

One sailor’s account of the food

“In order to rest from fighting

We have with our meals

Dried beans and rancid bacon

Vinegar instead of wine

Already rotten biscuit

And camphor every morning.”

Items to consider…Food (common items)

Drinking waterPickled or dried meatsDried beansDried peasBiscuitsOatmealButterSaltSuet (beef fat)VinegarBeef tongues

Supplies:Medical supplies

Hygienic supplies

Blankets

Items to trade

Tools

Weapons

You are now prepared to begin planning your

voyage!

Good Luck!

Buenos suertes!

AssignmentYou will work in assigned groups of three or four.You will be the captains of the ship - responsible for completing one itinerary, or plan, for your collective voyage.As a class, we will discuss your itineraries and evaluate whether or not they sound like they would be successful.

Find your group and start planning!

Board

Door

1.

2.3.

4.

5.

6.

(Groups 7 and 8 will work in the hall.)