The Great Age of Discovery

The remarkable Age of Discovery spanned from the mid-fifteenth century to the late sixteenth century. It was a time when European sailors embarked on explorations of the vast oceans for the first time.

It is difficult for us to grasp the level of fear and bravery these explorers possessed. Their knowledge of geography and the world was significantly less advanced compared to today. For instance, many believed that the Indian Ocean was a massive inland sea not connected to the Atlantic Ocean.

The oceans were thought to be inhabited by mythical sea creatures such as dragons and sea monsters. There were even tales of enormous water whirlpools that could swallow ships whole.

However, there were certain facts that the educated and experienced sailors of the time knew. They understood that the Earth was round, a truth that had been recognized since ancient times by various civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese.

The only misconception they had was regarding the size of the world. They underestimated its vastness by a significant margin. This is why Christopher Columbus believed he had sailed all the way to India when he reached the Americas. He and other explorers couldn’t fathom the existence of an entirely new continent on the other side of the world.

Interestingly, despite making three separate voyages to the New World without encountering anything resembling India, Columbus died still convinced that he had reached his intended destination. He never realized that he had stumbled upon (or rediscovered) two new continents.

Many other explorers, sailors, and ships made the journey to this new land before Amerigo Vespucci boldly claimed that he had discovered the new world and it was named after him. Somehow, his assertion stuck. I suppose it pays to speak up.

During the Age of Discovery, scurvy was the greatest threat to sailors’ lives. It took many years to understand that it was caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. Once this was recognized, the British Navy began supplying their sailors with lemons, which unfortunately rotted quickly. They then turned to limes as a source of vitamin C, earning British sailors the nickname “Limeys” and propelling Britain to become the most powerful navy and largest empire in the world. It’s incredible what can be achieved when only a fraction of the sailors perish on each voyage.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME