Europe Explores East

  • 206 BCE

    Invention of the Magnetic Compass

    Invention of the Magnetic Compass
    Was used for navigating. It used a magnetic needle attracted to the two poles.
  • 200 BCE

    Invention of the Astrolabe

    Invention of the Astrolabe
    The astrolabe helps sailors map the sun and stars so they could guide were they were going.
  • Jan 1, 1400

    Invention of the Caravel

    Invention of the Caravel
    The Caravel was a faster more efficient ship. This helped exploration because it was fast and held extra cargo than previous ships.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1400 to

    Christianity was spreading

    Christians wanted to spread the word of God, so they began to travel.
  • Jan 1, 1419

    Navigational School

    Navigational School
    Prince Henry founds a navigational school. The school helped with map making, sailing, and boat making.
  • Jan 1, 1440

    Cartography

    Cartography
    The invention of the printing press allowed maps to be distributed quickly, and more people could explore.
  • Jan 1, 1492

    Colombus

    Colombus
    Christopher Columbus convinced Spain to let him sail. HE tried to get to Asia for cargo in high demand.
  • Jan 1, 1494

    Treaty of Tordesillas

    Treaty of Tordesillas
    The land Spain and Portugal fought over was separated by the pope. This was the line of demarcation. Both country's agreed to this, and the Treaty of Tordesillas.
  • Jan 1, 1497

    Dias Sails around Africa

    Dias Sails around Africa
    Dias finds a way to sail around the southern tip of Africa on his way to India
  • Jan 1, 1498

    Vasco de Gama

    Vasco de Gama
    Vasco de Gama sails to India. He returns home with precious cargo, and a tense relationship.