1. At the beginning of the 15th century, Europeans only knew about the
existence of Europe and the lands around the Mediterranean and the
Black Sea.
Through Marco Polo’s journeys, and the trade routes that brought spices
and silk to Europe, the European people also knew that China, India, and
Japan existed, but no one knew much information about these countries.
The inner parts of Asia
and Africa had never
been explored, and the
Europeans did not even
know that America and
Oceania existed.

2. During the 15th century, European countries began to
explore on the sea much more.
One reason for these explorations was a need to find new
trade routes to the East, either around the African coast,
or through the Atlantic Ocean.
In 1453 the Turks
conquered
Constantinople and took
over the trade routes
between Europe and the
Far East.

3. A second reason why European countries were able to
explore the sea more was because of technical advances
which made navigation easier.

4. •
New maps were created which were called “portolan charts”. These
maps showed the coastline and any obstacles at sea.
Straight lines drawn on the maps showed the shortest distance
between different points.

6. •
Navigational instruments were developed, such as the compass,
the astrolabe, and the quadrant.

7. Ships, such as caravels, were improved and were able to travel longer
distances.