Renaissance+Science


 * [[image:Compass.jpg]] || [[image:world_map.jpg]] || [[image:Astrolabe.jpg]] ||
 * For Columbus to sail across vast oceans, he needed better ships and navigational equipment. First, there was the development of the caravel, a sailing ship with three masts. This new vessel was more maneuverable thanks to its combination of triangular and square sails. The caravel was also sturdy enough to make the long ocean crossing. To keep track of the direction the ship was headed, sailors used a Magnetic Compass. The development of the Astrolabe made it possible to keep track of the ship's position by comparing its position to that of the stars.Gunpowder was another important development. Between gunpowder and the newly invented Cannon, Europeans held a significant edge in firepower over their non-European opponents. This advantage allowed the Europeans to exert their will over native populations. Non-Europeans simply did not have the military strength to resist or fight back. This military advantage continued, and to a great extent still exists today.

//Beyond Books//. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2010. . || Then a map made by an ancient Greek named Ptolemy was rediscovered. Ptomely map was important for several reasons. First, it was a more complete map of the world than any other that existed at that time. Also, Ptolemy used a unique gridding technique not seen before. A Florentine geographer, Pablo Toscanelli, realized that Ptolemy had used linear perspective to create a map that showed the curvature of the earth on a two-dimensional surface. Using Ptolemy's system, Toscanelli created the first mapping coordinates. These lines of longitude and latitude enabled travelers to easily locate places and calculate distances. Toscanelli then realized that it was possible to sail directly to the source of the spices. In effect, one could go east by sailing west. Although Toscanelli did not sell anyone on his idea at the time, it did spark the imagination of an Italian seaman, Christopher Columbus.

//Beyond Books//. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2010. . || No matter how much Europeans tried, they weren't going anywhere until certain technological advances occurred. The advances came from a variety of sources. The inspiration to sail west came from a grid. Better navigation relied on a magnet. European military superiority rested on gunpowder. Sailing was difficult for the following reasons. In the 14th century, sailors at sea didn't dare lose sight of the coastline. They were afraid of getting lost. Their one-sail ships could sail only in the direction the wind was blowing. The best map of the world at the time had only three continents on it, with the center of the world being Jerusalem.

//Beyond Books//. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2010. . ||