The document summarizes key early explorers from the 1400s-1600s who sought routes to Asia by sea. It discusses the Vikings including Leif Eriksson who explored Canada and called it Vinland in 1002. It also discusses Marco Polo who established overland trade routes to Asia through his travels from Europe to Asia from 1261. Europeans wanted to find a water route to Asia because land travel became dangerous and kings were willing to pay sailors. Christopher Columbus asked Spain for ships in 1492 and claimed the Bahamas for Spain, while Giovanni Da Verranzano explored New York Bay for France in 1524 but never landed due to hostile Native Americans.

1. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 Asia D. Claimed Bahamas for Spain with the Nina, Santa Marie, and Pinta ships

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

9. 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