 Fernando Magellan |
 Dias |
 Gama |
 Sir francis Drake |
 Christopher Columbus |
 Vespucci |
For centuries, the people in Europe were not interested in finding out what was in the unknown. The age of exploration began when people once again became curious. Many things and people made this happen. A couple of people helped create the new interest: Marco Polo and Prince Henry.
Marco Polo was famous because of his travels to China. He stayed there for 24 years. He was amazed at all the gold and spices he saw. He was dazzled by the amazing silks and clothing. When Marco Polo came back to Venice he was inspired to write about his journeys in China. Many people read this book and were amazed. This book inspired many explorers to go out to find new lands and unknown seas.
Another big influence was Prince Henry. At age 21 he went to fight the North African Muslims where he captured the city of Ceuta. He became very interested in what the coast of Africa was like. He started a school for navigators. He sent many explorers down the coast of Africa to find out what was there. Prince Henry, also known as Prince Henry the Navigator, never went on any voyages of his own. That is why some historians call him the explorer who stayed at home.
Fernando Magellan |
Dias |
Gama |
Sir francis Drake |
Christopher Columbus |
Vespucci |