1. In 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue
The Age of Exploration

2. Who Really Discovered America?
Possibly
Phoenicians ( BC)
Stone altars in NH, coins
Romans (AD 64)
Coins, goblets, shields, weapons etc in Chesapeake
Persecution of Jews, Christians under Nero
Irish Monks (AD 551)
Saga of Brendan
Irish wool dated to that time period in New England (no sheep in New World yet)

3. Who Really Discovered America?
For Sure
Vikings (AD )
Historical and archeological record
Vinland = New Foundland
Trading and fishing settlements
Initially friendly relations
1171 driven out

4. Beginnings Portuguese begin era of exploration (1400s)
Stable political situation
Technology
Caravel
Astrolabe
Compass
Round Africa to Indies
Slave trade, Spices

5. Beginnings
Spain (1492)
Begins after defeat of Moors (stable political situation)
Everyone knew the world was round
Looking for spice routes
God, Gold, Glory
Columbus coins phrase “New World” after 4th voyage

6. 1491
~75 million inhabitants
Highest population in Central and South America
Several cities of over 1 million
Paris, London, Naples only ~100,000
~10 million in N. America
Densest concentrations on east and west coasts
Sophisticated, well-developed social and government structures
Little technology
Only decorative metal working, no wheel
No pigs, sheep, horses, cattle, goats, chickens
Sources of protein, labor
None of the associated diseases – measles, mumps, smallpox, etc

7. Spanish Colonies and Expeditions

9. European voyages of exploration
By the mid-16th c. Europeans had explored most of the Atlantic coast of North America and penetrated into the interior in the disastrous expeditions of de Soto and Coronado.

10. Hmmm… HW: Read pp 60-72, GIST summary
“Why did Columbus’ voyages have so much more impact than the Vikings or other early explorer/discoverers?”
Use historical facts to support your position.
HW: Read pp 60-72, GIST summary