Technology and science behind the instruments used by the Europeans during the transoceanic maritime reconnaissance was the result of centuries of Greek, Arab, Persian, Indian and Chinese advances.

For this topic you should be able to:

(TEC) Explain how cross-cultural interactions resulted in the diffusion of technology and facilitated changes in patterns of trade and travel from 1450 to 1750.

• Knowledge, scientific learning, and technology from the Classical, Islamic, and Asian worlds spread, facilitating European technological developments and innovation.

• The developments included the production of new tools, innovations in ship designs, and an improved understanding of regional wind and currents patterns—all of which made transoceanic travel and trade possible.

• Innovations in ship design:

  • Caravel

  • Carrack

  • Fluyt

• European technological developments influenced by cross-cultural interactions with the Classical, Islamic, and Asian worlds:

  • Lateen sail

  • Compass

  • Astronomical charts

Voyages of Prince Henry the Navigator

Voyages of Ferdinand Magellan