Christopher Columbus and the legacy of Marco Polo

In the late 1200's Marco Polo travelled from Venice, to China and Asia.

At the same time there was a Renaissance in Europe. People were rediscovering the culture of Ancient Greeks and Romans.

There was an interest in learning, art, and travel.

Some Europeans wanted to travel to the East but they did not want to voyage over land as Marco Polo did.

Some decided to travel around the tip of Africa to get to Asia instead.

Others thought of traveling West, but were afraid of sea monsters.

Christopher Columbus was the first to face these dangers, and although he failed to find Asia, he started the competition for land throughout the world.

Christopher Columbus was an Italian seaman.

He studied the work of Marco Polo and was convinced that the shortest way to Asia was to the West.

Columbus convinced King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to sponsor a voyage.

In August of 1492 he set sail with three ships. After about a month he landed in the Carribean..

He encountered the Tainos, indigenous people who lived in peaceful fishing villages.

Describing them, he said "they are so unsuspicious and so generous with what they possess, that one who had not seen it would not believe it."

Columbus claimed the island and named it "San Salvador" meaning "Holy Savior."

Columbus sailed to other islands and traveled back and forth to Spain four times.

The Columbian Exchange

The transfer of people, plants,animals,and
disease, back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean.

From The Americas to Europe

• Corn
• Potatoes
• Squash
• Tomatoes

From Europe to the Americas

• Wheat
• Cows
• Rice
• Pigs
• Horses
• Disease

Untitled Slide

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