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Period: Jan 1, 1400 to Aug 3, 1493
Marco to Christopher
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Apr 22, 1400
The Travels of Marco Polo
In the 13th Century Marco Polo traveled the Silk Road. He later writes a book called "The Adventures of Marco Polo." Europeans become more interested in Asia and the goods they could purchase such as silk, spices, etc. -
Jan 1, 1450
Guttenberg Press
Johannes Guttenberg creates the first printing press. The "Adventures of Marco Polo" is even more widely read and interest in goods from Asia continues to increase. -
May 21, 1450
Prince Henry's School Opens
In 1450, King Henry of Portugal directs his son Prince Henry to open a school for navigators. The school includes cartography, ship building and -
Jan 1, 1453
The Fall of Constantinople
In 1453, Constantinople is captured by the Turks and the Silk Road is closed for Europeans. Another way to get to Asia must be found. -
Apr 22, 1455
Caravel
Prince Henry's school develops a new type of ship which is capable of long range ocean voyages. -
Apr 22, 1460
Europeans Voyage Around Africa
Europeans begin to travel east around Africa to find a route to Asia. They begin to trade with the Sonhai Empire. -
Apr 21, 1464
Sunni Ali
Sunni Ali rules the Songhai empire in Africa and creates city states and begin trading with Europeans. -
Apr 22, 1492
Christopher Columbus meets the King and Queen
Christopher Columbus convince Ferdinand and Isabel to fund his voyage to find an route to Asia going west. He promises that all lands he finds he will claim for Spain and ensure everyone is Catholic. -
Apr 22, 1492
Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand
Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand require that all citizens be Catholic. -
Apr 22, 1493
Christopher Columbus Goes West
Christopher Columbus goes west and lands on San Salvador. He thinks he has found Asia.
