Europeans began exploring the seas in the 15th century motivated by wealth, spreading Christianity, and learning about new lands. Portugal led the way, mapping the African coast and opening a sea route to Asia when Bartholomeu Dias rounded the southern tip of Africa. Vasco da Gama then reached India, establishing a vast trading empire. Christopher Columbus, financed by Spain, sailed west hoping to find a route to Asia but instead discovered new lands in the Caribbean that he mistakenly called the Indies.

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

2. 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

3. Motives for Explorationwealthdesire to learn about new landsspread Christianity

4. Improved TechnologyCartographers (map makers) created more accurate mapsAstrolabe- used to determine latitude at seaLarger and better ships

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

6. Portugal Sails Eastwardlead the way in exploration with the help of Prince Henrymapping the African coastwanted to expand Christianity and find African goldBartholomeu Dias rounded the southern tip of Africa which opened-up a sea route to AsiaOn to IndiaVasco da Gama reached IndiaCreated a vast trading empire

7. Prince Henry of Portugal Sometimes known as Henry the navigator

8. He helped Portugal become the leader in exploration

9. Columbus Sails Westwanted to find a route to the Indies and discovered new land insteadtrip was financed by Spain Columbus landed in the Caribbean islands and called the people Indians thinking that he had landed in the Indies.

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