The Age of Exploration

History

A Portuguese explorer who sailed around the southernmost tip of Africa

Bartolomeu Dias

A Portuguese explorer who sailed around the southernmost tip of Africa. Bartolomeu Dias. He was the first European to navigate the Cape of Good Hope, opening the sea route to Asia.

A group of people traveling together, often on a trade expedition

Caravan

A group of people traveling together, often on a trade expedition. Caravan. In history, a caravan was a group of traders or pilgrims traveling together for safety across deserts or long distances.

A small highly-maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century

Caravel

A small highly-maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century. Caravel. The caravel was a type of ship that helped explorers navigate the seas during the Age of Discovery.

The unit of money used by the people of a country

Currency

The unit of money used by the people of a country. Currency. In history, currency refers to the various forms of money that have been used by civilizations to facilitate trade and economic activity.

A journey undertaken by a group of people for discovery and scientific research

Expedition

A journey undertaken by a group of people for discovery and scientific research. Expedition. In history, an expedition is a trip made by explorers to discover new lands and gather knowledge.

The fifth Great Khan of the Mongol Empire and founder of the Yuan dynasty

Kublai Khan

The fifth Great Khan of the Mongol Empire and founder of the Yuan dynasty. Kublai Khan. Kublai Khan was a Mongol leader who established control over China and started the Yuan dynasty.

An Italian trader and explorer who travelled through Asia along the Silk Road

Marco Polo

An Italian trader and explorer who travelled through Asia along the Silk Road. Marco Polo. He was a famous adventurer who helped Europe learn about Asia in the 13th century.

A person who trades in commodities produced by other people

Merchant

A person who trades in commodities produced by other people. Merchant. In history, a merchant is someone who buys and sells goods, often traveling long distances to trade with different regions.

In the history of Europe, period that lasted from the 5th to the late 15th century

Middle Ages

In the history of Europe, period that lasted from the 5th to the late 15th century. Middle Ages. The Middle Ages was a time when knights, castles, and feudal systems dominated Europe.

A methods used to learn where someone is and how to go to another place

Navigation

A method used to learn where someone is and how to go to another place navigation. In history, navigation refers to the techniques used by explorers to chart their courses across unfamiliar seas.

A central figure in the 15th century European maritime discoveries and expansion

Prince Henry

A central figure in the 15th century European maritime discoveries and expansion. Prince Henry. Prince Henry, also known as Henry the Navigator, was a Portuguese prince who sponsored early expeditions along the African coast, helping to establish sea routes and expand European exploration.

The first king of the Songhai Empire, located in Africa

Sunni Ali

The first king of the Songhai Empire, located in Africa, Sunni Ali. Sunni Ali was a powerful ruler who expanded the Songhai Empire through military conquests.

A Portuguese explorer and the first European to reach India by sea

Vasco da Gama

A Portuguese explorer and the first European to reach India by sea, Vasco da Gama. He opened a new maritime route for trade between Europe and Asia.

A Chinese explorer, diplomat, and admiral during Ming dynasty

Zheng He

A Chinese explorer, diplomat, and admiral during the Ming dynasty. Zheng He. Zheng He was a famous navigator known for his seven major ocean voyages that expanded China's influence throughout Asia and Africa.

The third Emperor of the Ming dynasty (1402 - 1424)

Zhu Di

The third Emperor of the Ming dynasty 1402 - 1424. Zhu Di. Zhu Di, also known as the Yongle Emperor, is famous for moving China's capital to Beijing and building the Forbidden City.