What Started The Age Of Exploration? | The Face Of The World | Absolute History

Summary

This documentary explores the historical quest to understand and map the world. From Marco Polo's travels to the fall of Constantinople, it delves into the European expansion driven by the desire for oriental riches. Highlighting figures like Henry the Navigator and Christopher Columbus, it narrates the development of navigational techniques, the establishment of trade routes, and the birth of colonial empires. The script underscores the impact of these explorations on global trade, cultural exchanges, and the tragic beginnings of the transatlantic slave trade.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The script discusses the historical quest of humanity to understand and navigate the world, from ancient times to the Age of Discovery.
• 🧭 It highlights the lack of advanced navigational tools and maps in the past, with seafarers relying on visible landmarks and coastal navigation.
• 🕌 The script emphasizes the centrality of Jerusalem in the medieval Christian worldview and the impact of Islam's expansion on this perception.
• 🏰 The fall of Constantinople in 1453 is noted as a pivotal event leading European powers to seek new trade routes to Asia.
• 🛶 Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal is credited with initiating systematic exploration and the establishment of a navigation school to improve sea charts and techniques.
• 📝 The development of accurate sea charts at the Sagres school was crucial for the success of Portuguese explorers venturing into the Atlantic.
• 🔍 The script contrasts the early exploration efforts of the Portuguese with the advanced maritime capabilities of the Chinese and Arabs, noting the cessation of Chinese exploration under imperial decree.
• 🚢 Vasco da Gama's voyage around the Cape of Good Hope to India is marked as a significant breakthrough, establishing a direct sea route to the East.
• 🌎 Christopher Columbus's mistaken belief that he had reached India by sailing westward led to the discovery of the Americas, which changed the course of world history.
• 🏴 The Treaty of Tordesillas is mentioned as an agreement that divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal, shaping the colonial era.
• 📜 The importance of maps in the rise of Portugal and Spain as colonial powers is underscored, with the secrecy surrounding these valuable navigational tools.
• 🌳 The script concludes by reflecting on the incomplete nature of the world's exploration and mapping, with vast areas still uncharted and unexplored.

Q & A

Who is Alice Loxton and what does she present?

Alice Loxton is a presenter who hosts documentaries on History Hit TV, a platform similar to Netflix but focused solely on historical content.

What is the significance of the school of navigation established by Henry the Navigator?

The school of navigation established by Henry the Navigator was significant because it promoted and financed systematic voyages of exploration by the Portuguese, leading to the development of accurate sea charts and the advancement of global exploration.

Why was the city of Constantinople important to Venice?

Constantinople was important to Venice because it was a powerful trading partner. Its fall in 1453 meant the loss of this partnership, leading to an uncertain future for Venice.

What was the primary goal of the Portuguese explorers sent out by Henry the Navigator?

The primary goal of the Portuguese explorers sent out by Henry the Navigator was to find a sea route to Africa and Asia, as well as to discover new lands and take possession of them by planting the cross, signaling the claim to rule on behalf of their prince and financial sponsor.

What was the significance of the discovery of the Cape of Good Hope by Bartholomew Diaz?

The discovery of the Cape of Good Hope by Bartholomew Diaz was significant because it opened up a sea route to India, enabling a thriving trade between Asia and Europe and marking the beginning of Portuguese expansion.

How did the maps of the world change as a result of the explorations by Europeans?

The maps of the world changed significantly as a result of the explorations by Europeans, as they began to include newly discovered lands and territories, extending Europe's geographical horizon and showing the world as a sphere.

What was the impact of the discovery of the New World on the indigenous peoples of America?

The discovery of the New World had a devastating impact on the indigenous peoples of America. They were exposed to diseases previously unknown to them, leading to massive population decline, and many were enslaved and forced to work in gold and silver mines.

Why did the Chinese explorations led by Zheng He stop, and what were the implications of this decision?

The Chinese explorations led by Zheng He stopped due to a decree from the emperor forbidding further maritime exploration. This decision had the implication of preventing China from potentially discovering the world, thus opening the way for the Portuguese and other Europeans to expand their influence.

What was the role of the Arabian sea charts in facilitating trade between Arabia and India?

The Arabian sea charts played a crucial role in facilitating trade between Arabia and India by providing accurate depictions of the known world and precisely plotted trade routes, giving Arabian sea captains an invaluable advantage in navigation.

How did the European powers use the newly discovered lands and resources?

The European powers used the newly discovered lands and resources to establish colonies, exploit the wealth of the New World, and engage in the slave trade, which lasted for centuries and brought immense wealth to some while costing the lives of millions.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Tordesillas and how did it divide the world?

The Treaty of Tordesillas was significant because it divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between Spain and Portugal. A line drawn from north to south across the Atlantic determined that all lands west of the line belonged to Spain and those east to Portugal, thus establishing colonial claims on conquered territories.