Eastern European Explorers M. Wagner

3 Worlds Meet Native Americans Africans Europeans Our Focus

Over 1,000 years ago, the Vikings explored the Atlantic Ocean. What do you already know about Vikings? Over 1,000 years ago, the Vikings explored the Atlantic Ocean. The Vikings established at least one settlement in North America.

But I thought I discovered North America! Nope! It was us!! Vikings were exploring North America almost 500 years before the other Europeans! Actually… But I thought I discovered North America! Hey! He’s holding an astrolabe! (That will be important later…) Christopher Columbus

Am I supposed to know what Scandinavia is? Viking culture began in Scandinavia 1,300 years ago (in about 700 BC). OH! Am I supposed to know what Scandinavia is? Scandinavia is made up of modern-day Finland, Sweden, & Norway.

The word “Viking” is actually a term used by ancient Norsemen to refer to those who went exploring, adventuring, and/or raiding.

The Vikings were skilled: Craftspeople Good Traders Excellent Sailors

For about 400 years, the Vikings had a reputation for: Raiding Exploring Settling New Places

After the Vikings, other Europeans began to explore by sea.

Because that’s a long way to go for spice! The Europeans hoped to find trade routes to Asia. Because that’s a long way to go for spice!

What do you think this new technology was used for? New technology made navigation easier for sailors. EXAMPLE: Astrolabe relating to the stars What do you think this new technology was used for?

Astrolabe New Technology An early scientific tool used to figure out how far north or south of the equator was. New Technology

Ships were stronger & safer. New Technology

Maps were also improving, which made traveling by sea easier. New Technology

Political changes in England, Spain, & France caused the countries to want to send explorers into the world. For England! Explore & Conquer land for Spain! France For France! England Spain

Middle Ages of Europe

How were they different? In what ways were Knights and Warriors of the West African Empires similar? How were they different?

Why Did Europeans Begin To Explore The World Beyond Their Borders?