Viking Voyages
Who were the first Europeans to reach North America?
The Vikings
Who started a school for navigation in Portugal?
Prince Henry the Navigator
What tool helped sailors know which direction they were going?
Magnetic compass
Why did Europeans want to find a sea route to Asia?
To get spices and goods directly
What continent did Europeans reach as they explored south from Portugal?
Africa
What was the name of Leif Eriksson’s father?
Erik the Red
What African landmark did Bartolomeu Dias sail around?
The Cape of Good Hope
What tool allowed sailors to determine their location by the stars?
Astrolabe
What empire blocked land routes to Asia in 1453?
The Ottoman Empire/Muslim Ottoman
What major result came from Portuguese exploration?
A sea route to Asia
What was the name of the Viking settlement in North America?
Vinland
Who was the first explorer to find a sea route from Europe to Asia?
Vasco da Gama
What was the name of the new type of ship designed by the Portuguese?
Caravel
Name one reason besides trade that Europeans explored new lands.
To spread Christianity
What negative effect did exploration have on Africa?
The beginning of the Atlantic slave trade
Why did the Vikings leave North America after only a few years?
Conflicts with Native Americans and distance from other settlements
What year did Vasco da Gama reach India?
1498
What made the new design of Portuguese ships better than older ships?
Triangular sails and rear rudder for easier steering
What book inspired curiosity about Asia?
The Travels of Marco Polo
What were two effects of discovering a sea route to Asia?
Increased trade and contact with new cultures
What design feature made Viking longships better for ocean travel?
Curved ends and stability for rough seas
What were some reasons Portugal led world exploration?
Strong leadership, technology, financial support, and curiosity
How did better maps and tools encourage exploration?
They made long sea voyages safer and more accurate
Why were gold and silver important to European merchants?
They needed them to conduct business and trade
How did continued exploration affect European nations?
It increased wealth, power, and competition