European Age of Exploration

Study Notes

European Age of Exploration

Overview

Period of time from the 15th to the 17th century when European explorers traveled to other parts of the world to discover new lands, establish trade routes, and spread Christianity.
Major powers involved: Portugal, Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands.

Continents Discovered

Americas (1492): Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Guanahani in the Bahamas, sponsored by the Spanish monarchs.
Africa (1488): Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope, opening a new trade route to Asia.
Asia (1511): Portuguese explorer Afonso de Albuquerque conquered the city of Malacca, gaining control of the spice trade.

Spices and Trade

Spices were a major motivator for exploration: pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg were highly valued for their flavor and preservative qualities.
The spice trade led to the establishment of new trade routes and the growth of cities like Lisbon, Amsterdam, and Antwerp.

Entertainment and Culture

The Age of Exploration saw a surge in cultural and artistic expression, including:
- Literature: works by authors like Luis de Camões and Miguel de Cervantes.
- Art: the development of Renaissance art, including works by masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Questions about Las Meninas and Cafe Terrace at Night Paintings

Las Meninas (1656) by Diego Velázquez:
- This painting is a representation of the Spanish royal court, with the artist himself included in the scene.
- What symbolism is behind the mirror reflection of King Philip IV and his wife?
- What does the painting reveal about the power dynamics of the royal court?
Cafe Terrace at Night (1888) by Vincent van Gogh:
- This painting depicts a quiet evening scene in a small town in southern France.
- What role does the use of light and color play in conveying the atmosphere of the scene?
- How does this painting reflect the changing values and lifestyles of the late 19th century?

Note: These questions are designed to prompt further exploration and analysis of the paintings, rather than providing a definitive answer.

European Age of Exploration

The European Age of Exploration occurred from the 15th to the 17th century, during which European explorers traveled to discover new lands, establish trade routes, and spread Christianity.
Major powers involved: Portugal, Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands.

Continents Discovered

Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Guanahani in the Bahamas in 1492, sponsored by the Spanish monarchs, discovering the Americas.
Bartolomeu Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope in 1488, opening a new trade route to Asia.
Afonso de Albuquerque conquered the city of Malacca in 1511, gaining control of the spice trade in Asia.

Spices and Trade

Spices, including pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, were highly valued for their flavor and preservative qualities, motivating exploration.
The spice trade led to the establishment of new trade routes and the growth of cities like Lisbon, Amsterdam, and Antwerp.

Entertainment and Culture

The Age of Exploration saw a surge in cultural and artistic expression, including literature and art.
Authors like Luis de Camões and Miguel de Cervantes contributed to the literary scene.
Renaissance art developed, with works by masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Description

Discover the era of European explorers who traveled to new lands, established trade routes, and spread Christianity from the 15th to 17th century. Learn about the major powers involved and the continents they discovered.