4. The fall of Constantinople: The Great Silk Road was the main overland route for spices and other goods from the East to reach Europe. It was cut off in 1453, when Constantinople was conquered by the Turks. New routes between Europe and Asia were needed.
EUROPE Constantinople PERSIA EGYPT ARABIA INDIA CHINA
Indian Ocean JAVA Trade routes from Europe to east Asia
5. Desire for empire: Many European rulers sponsored voyages of exploration so that they could expand their territory to any newly discovered lands. Countries on the Atlantic coast (Portugal, Spain, France and England) especially wanted to undermine Italy’s power by bypassing the Mediterranean as the centre of trade.
6. Spreading Christianity: The Pope encouraged Christian rulers to defeat Muslims, who had gained control of the Middle East. Christian explorers often aimed to convert the people of any new lands they discovered to Christianity.
DID YOU KNOW?
Legends were told in Europe of a mythical Christian kingdom in Africa or Asia ruled by a king named Prester John. If he could only be found, he would unite with Christendom to defeat the Muslims.
COLLABORATE: Look at the map above. Imagine you were a king or a merchant living in the 1400s. With the direct route east along the Silk Road blocked, how else might you reach China or India?
CHECKPOINT! 1. What problems did sailors face on long voyages in the 1400s?
2. What role did the following factors have in the voyages of discovery: (a) the Renaissance; (b) trade routes; (c) the desire for empire; (d) religion?
3. Which of the causes of the voyages do you think was the most important? Give a reason for your answer.
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I understand the causes and problems of the voyages of exploration.
