Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections 1450-1750 4.1: Tech. Innovations 1450-1750

Maritime Empires

Empires that expanded their territories and influence primarily through sea exploration and trade.

Silk Road

An ancient trade route connecting the east and west, facilitating commerce and cultural exchange.

Indian Ocean trade

A maritime trade route used by various civilizations for commerce and cultural exchanges.

Astrolabe

An instrument used to determine latitude by measuring the position of stars.

Magnetic compass

A navigation device that shows the direction of magnetic north for maritime navigation.

Lateen sail

A triangular sail that allows a ship to tack into the wind, improving sailing efficiency.

Caravel

A small, highly navigable ship developed by the Portuguese, known for speed and capacity.

Fluyt

A ship designed by the Dutch exclusively for trade that was cheaper to build and required a smaller crew.

Wind patterns

The prevailing directional patterns of wind, crucial for maritime navigation.

European trading goals

Europeans sought new methods to trade with Asia directly, aiming for better terms than those imposed by Muslim-controlled lands.