The Roots of Global Maritime Discovery (15th & 16th Centuries)

Factors Leading to the Great Geographical Discoveries

One of the most significant historical events of the 15th and 16th centuries was the discovery of territories previously unknown to Europeans through maritime exploration. Several historical factors in Europe provided the motivation to explore:

Economic Factors Driving Exploration

• Gold and silver were needed for coinage.
• Europe was highly dependent on luxury products like spices and silk imported from Asia.
• The traditional trade route was blocked when Constantinople (formerly Byzantium) was taken by the Ottoman Turks in 1453, necessitating the search for alternative maritime routes.

Demographic Factors

Following the population crisis of the Late Middle Ages, the population grew, leading to a higher demand for precious metals and products from Asia.

Political and Religious Motivations

A significant rivalry existed between Islamic and Christian states, especially as Islam was greatly strengthened by the Ottomans. This rivalry was particularly relevant in the Iberian kingdoms, where the spirit of the Crusades remained strong, but it also influenced the rest of Europe’s Christian kingdoms.

Sociological Factors: The Renaissance Spirit

These factors were associated with the Renaissance and the renewed desire to learn and explore. Literature, such as Marco Polo’s description of his travels to China (The Travels of Marco Polo), also helped to encourage maritime exploration.

Scientific and Technical Advances

Significant scientific and technological advances facilitated navigation:

• New types of ships were developed, such as the carracks and caravels.
• Many geographers accepted the theory that the world was round, challenging the previously common belief that it was flat.

Portugal and the Legend of Prester John

One powerful motivation for European exploration was the legend of Prester John, a mythical Christian king believed to reside somewhere beyond the lands of Islam, either in Asia or Africa.

The myth likely originated from existing Christian communities, specifically the Nestorians (in India and Iran) and the Copts in Ethiopia, who established the Kingdom of Abyssinia. During the 15th century, Portugal actively sent expeditions to Africa hoping to contact Prester John. Upon reaching Abyssinia, Portuguese explorers mistakenly identified the Abyssinian king as the legendary figure.

Why Were Spices So Crucial to Europeans?

The spice trade held immense importance because these commodities were not produced in Europe and served several vital functions:

• Seasoning and Preservation: Spices were essential for flavoring and preserving food.
• Dietary Variety: They added variety to a typically monotonous diet of cereals and pulses.

The most well-known spices traded included cinnamon, clove, pepper, nutmeg, and ginger.