Navigational Tools
What is a compass ?
A navigational instrument that uses Earth's magnetic field to determine direction.
What is the Columbian Exchange?
The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, technology, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.
Who was Marco Polo?
An explorer who traveled to Asia and documented his experiences, influencing future exploration.
What were spices?
Highly valued items used to enhance flavor and preserve food.
What is cartography?
The science and art of making maps
What is an astrolabe?
A handheld astronomical instrument used for navigation and timekeeping.
What is the significance of the Silk Road?
A major trade route connecting Asia and Europe, facilitating cultural and economic exchanges.
Who was Vasco da Gama?
A Portuguese explorer who found a sea route to India.
What were precious metals?
Valuable metals like gold and silver that were mined in the Americas.
What is latitude?
Horizontal lines that measure north-south position from the equator.
What is a caravel?
A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century.
How did exploration affect trade?
It led to the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices, which transformed economies.
Who was Christopher Columbus?
An explorer who completed the first transatlantic voyage to the Americas.
What textiles were traded?
Items such as silk and cotton that were traded widely.
What is longitude?
Vertical lines that measure east-west position from the Prime Meridian.
How did the compass improve navigation?
It allowed sailors to navigate more accurately without relying solely on celestial bodies.
What led to the rise of colonial empires?
The establishment of overseas colonies and the expansion of trade networks.
What was Johannes Gutenberg known for?
Known for inventing the printing press, which revolutionized information sharing.
Why were agricultural products important in trade?
They provided essential resources and contributed to wealth accumulation.
What are GIS and its benefits?
Geographic Information Systems; it allows for layered maps and data analysis.
What technologies aided maritime exploration?
The compass, astrolabe, caravel, and improved cartography.
How did exploration change societies?
It led to increased cultural exchanges and the spread of new ideas and technologies.
Who were key figures in the Age of Exploration?
Figures like Hernán Cortés, Ferdinand Magellan, and Sir Francis Drake.
What luxury goods were sought after?
Items like porcelain and silk that were highly prized in European markets.
How have mapping techniques evolved?
From hand-drawn maps to digital cartography, enhancing accuracy and accessibility.