Advances in Knowledge and Technology
Technology
Technology assisted explorers during the exploration. Before technology was improved, it was very dangerous for explorers to explore. The weapons, that has been improve gave the explorers a greater chance of defeating people they met on journey. The navigation before it was improved, navigation wasn't as precise but as years went on navigation gotten better.
The Cartography
Cartographers drew maps
Cartography was invented in
2nd century. "During the middle Ages, Europeans carried out little travel and exploration, and there was practically no advancement in geography. Among Europeans, only the Vikings of Scandinavia were active in exploration". Europeans used the cartography to draw more accurate maps it helped explorers by making easier.
Compasses
Compass
Compasses were first used on a European ship in 1345. By the end of the 15th century, compasses were better improved. Sailors used compasses to find out their direction.
Astrolabe
"The Astrolabe helped sailors, figure out their distance North or South from the equator". The first Astrolabe was invented in 225 BC. "It is likely that information about the astrolabe was available in Europe as early as the 11th century, but European usage was not widespread until the 13th and 14th centuries".
Ships
Long-ship: "Long-ships were naval vessels made and used by the Vikings from Scandinavia and Iceland for trade, commerce, exploration, and warfare during the Viking Age". "The long-ship design advanced over many years, beginning in the Stone Age with the invention of the umiak and continuing up to the 9th century with the Nydam and Kvalsund ships." "The long-ship appeared in its complete form between the 9th and 13th centuries". "The character and appearance of these ships have been reflected in Scandinavian boat-building traditions until today". The long-ship was graceful, long, narrow, light, wooden boat with a shallow draft hull designed for speed. The ship's shallow draft allowed navigation in waters only one meter deep and permitted beach landings.
The Nydam Ship(left), Kvalsund Ship(middle), Umiak(right)
Knarr: The knarr was built for Atlantic voyages. "They were about 54 feet (21m), a beam of 15 feet (4.5m), and a hull capable of carrying up to 24 tons with an overall displacement of 50 tons". " Knarrs usually crossed the North Atlantic carrying livestock and stores to Greenland." The ship was able to travel 75 mile in one day with 20-30 men! This ship was used for longer voyages, and also dangerous trips.
Karve: "Karves were a type of small Viking ship similar to the knarr". They were used for human transport, livestock and other goods because they were able to move in very shallow water.
Faering: "A faering is a boat with two pairs of oars, commonly found in most boat-building traditions in Western and Northern Scandinavia".