Podcast
Questions and Answers
What instrument was primarily used for astronomical measurements such as altitude and latitude?
What instrument was primarily used for astronomical measurements such as altitude and latitude?
What was the purpose of the log line in maritime navigation?
What was the purpose of the log line in maritime navigation?
Who was known for initiating Portuguese voyages of exploration in the 15th century?
Who was known for initiating Portuguese voyages of exploration in the 15th century?
What significant action did Prince Henry's explorers take to gather information about the territories they were entering?
What significant action did Prince Henry's explorers take to gather information about the territories they were entering?
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What was a fathom used to measure?
What was a fathom used to measure?
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Which of the following archipelagos did Portugal take control of under Henry's direction?
Which of the following archipelagos did Portugal take control of under Henry's direction?
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What crucial resources did the Portuguese establish in Madeira?
What crucial resources did the Portuguese establish in Madeira?
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What information was typically recorded in a ship's logbook?
What information was typically recorded in a ship's logbook?
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Study Notes
Navigation Instruments
- The compass, used to determine direction, was invented in China, used by European sailors in the early 1300s
- The quadrant and astrolabe determined latitude (distance from the equator).
- The backstaff was developed by John Davis in 1594, an improvement for sailors with bad eyesight, for calculating latitude
Log Line
- A log line measures water depth by a lead weight tied to a rope with knots measuring fathoms
- The log line is used when close to land to avoid running aground
Logbook
- A ship's captain recorded daily direction, speed, distance and weather conditions.
- These logs were used to create new sea routes.
Portolan Charts
- Europeans developed portolan charts to map coastlines, harbours, currents and tides.
Portuguese Exploration
- The European Age of Exploration started in the early 1400s, with Portugal aiming for a sea route to India and the silk and spice markets of Asia
- Prince Henry 'the Navigator' (1394-1460) led voyages, focusing on the west coast of Africa, beyond Cape Bojador.
- The Portuguese used mapmakers, astronomers, instrument makers, and sailors to establish new routes.
- Strategies included seizing natives as guides and forcing information, for exploration and trade.
- The Portuguese explored the west coast of Africa to Sierra Leone by 1460
- Portugal claimed the Azores and Madeira islands
- Slaves were brought to work plantations in Madeira and Azores.
- Uninhabited Cape Verde islands were also settled and used for cotton plantations
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Description
Explore the key navigation instruments that shaped maritime exploration, such as the compass, quadrant, and log line. Learn how the development of portolan charts contributed to mapping coastlines and sea routes during the European Age of Exploration. This quiz dives into the technological advancements that allowed Portugal and other nations to venture into new waters.
