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1095
Pope Urban II calls for the Crusades
The muslims invaded the Holy Land and the Pope created crusades to take the land back, and they learned about new goods. -
1200
The Big Shift
After the crusades the people learned of new things in the new land which made them focus on trade. -
1254
Marco Polo Born
Marco Polo was born and followed in his fathers footsteps and became a merchant. Born in Venice, Italy which was a center for trading. -
1293
Polos Journey Home
Polos journeyed home by ship and many people died on the way back home due to storms and disease. -
1298
Polo Captured
Was caught in battle against Genoa and was captured as a prisoner of war. Met a writer who inspired him to write a book of journeys which became a bestseller. -
1415
Portugal Expands
The Portuguese captured the Fortress of Ceuta and became involved in the market of gold and by selling the gold they got. Gold became more important because cities were using them for coins and they realized it would be easier to travel gold by sea than land and brought about the development of the caravel. -
1419
Portugal Discovers Islands
Prince Henry's financing led to the discovery of the Madeira Islands. -
1421
Portugal Discovers More Islands
Portugal made a discovery of the Azores Islands that Prince Henry financed. -
1434
Return from Cape Bojador
After 15 fails, one of Prince Henry's ships finally made it around Cape Bojador and returned safely. This motivated Portugal to venture even farther. -
1488
Portugal Goes Around Africa
Portugal made it around the tip of Africa, but the crew refused to go any farther. Días discovered what he called "Cape of Storms" that was later named Cape of Good Hope. -
1498
Portugal Reaches India
Da Gama's Voyage reached India, which made Portugal become among the richest countries in Europe.