The Age of Explorers

Hundreds of years ago, much of the world was a mystery to Europeans. Between about 1400 and 1600 CE, brave explorers set sail across huge oceans in wooden ships, not knowing what they would find. This time is often called the Age of Exploration.

Why did they go? Many were searching for new trade routes to Asia, where precious spices like pepper and cinnamon were worth more than gold. Others wanted riches, new land, or simply the glory of discovering somewhere no European had been before.

Explorers used the stars, the Sun, and a magnetic needle called a compass to find their way. A tool called an astrolabe helped them work out how far north or south they were by measuring the height of the Sun or stars. They drew maps so the next sailors could follow — and each voyage made the maps a little more complete.

Columbus actually believed he had reached Asia, not a new continent. He was wrong — he had bumped into islands near the Americas, lands completely unknown to Europe at the time. He never accepted his mistake, but other explorers soon realised these were 'new' lands.

One of the biggest dangers was a disease called scurvy, caused by not eating enough fresh fruit and vegetables on long voyages. Sailors' teeth fell out and their wounds would not heal. Much later, people discovered that eating citrus fruit like lemons and limes could prevent it.

The Age of Exploration changed the world forever. New foods like potatoes, tomatoes, and chocolate travelled from the Americas to Europe, while horses and wheat travelled the other way. But it also brought great suffering — many native peoples lost their land and lives to European diseases and conquest.