What Role Did The Spice Islands Play In European Exploration

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Sailing the vast ocean to find new trade routes. Steering the ship to dodge the harsh waves and weather patterns. The Age of Exploration marked the peak of Portuguese power and wealth. Although Portugal lacked the population and prosperity of its rivals, it became a leading European country in maritime exploration.

The Spice Islands played a large role in Portuguese exploration. The Spice Islands are located on a small group of islands north-east of Indonesia. Spices were very valuable and prized at the time. They were in high demand and many countries voyaged overseas to get them. Spices were very valuable and prized. The Portuguese were interested in having the precious spices in their own hands. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, …show more content…

They were traded for gold, silver, glass, or silk. Spices were so treasured that even the high officials couldn’t afford them. By the 1400s, when navigation technology had improved, the kings and queens of Europe funded their own spice-hunting voyages. The demand for spices grew since spices covered the taste of spoiled meat. Spices were more expensive than meat, and fresh meat was available. Spices eliminated the need for butchers to throw unwanted animal parts and blood in the streets. Refrigeration was not available and some hot spices like nutmeg or salt serve as a …show more content…

In 1450, the Ottoman Empire conquered the Byzantine Empire and they shut down the trade route to Asia. João II ( the king of Portugal from 1455 to 1495) wanted to find a way around the Southern tip of Africa, so he sponsored Dias in the expedition around Africa. He set out on his voyage in 1488, but had a difficult time directing the ship due to temperature and harsh winds. Dias followed the south-eastern winds, which eventually brought him to the Cape of Good Hope and the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean. At Kwaaihoek, they built a padrão (large stone cross) to mark the presence of Portuguese exploration at the site. He wanted to sail further into the ocean, but his crew urged him to turn back due to the lack of food and supplies left. In 1489, Dias was forced to explain to the king how he failed the goal of the expedition. As a result, he lost the privilege of being the captain of future

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