Therefore, the overall goal became the establishment of a direct route to the markets of India. The king realized that to break the power of his nobles, the crown needed a means of financial independence. After a brief lapse, the program of exploration was restored under King John II. These innovations included sturdier rudders, better compasses, an improved astrolabe for celestial navigation, and the triangular lateen sails that improved the speed of vessels. They appropriated many of the maritime innovations for open water sailing from both the Arabs and the Chinese. The Portuguese made inroads first among the Cape Verde and Canary Islands and then down along the known western coastline of Africa. Under the auspices of Prince Henry (known as the "Navigator"), the third son of King John I of Portugal, the monarchy began exerting influence along the North African coast. They also needed to contend with the still powerful Republic of Venice, which controlled most of the Eastern Mediterranean not occupied by Islamic rulers. Since the early 15th century, the Portuguese (and later the Spanish) sought to break the Arab monopoly on the spice market.
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