Europe: Significant People

Question 1

Marco Polo

Answer 1

Marco Polo was a Venetian explorer and merchant who famously travelled throughout Asia during the 13th century. He famously documented his travels in an account that became known as The Travels of Marco Polo. He wrote about his experiences in the court of the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan, as well as the cities, cultures and customs he encountered during his travels. He was one of the first Europeans to explore and document the Far East.

Question 2

Martin Luther

Answer 2

Martin Luther was a German theologian and religious reformer who initiated the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Luther challenged the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and its doctrine, which inspired other reformers such as John Calvin and Huldrych Zwingli. He famously posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517, which argued against the Catholic Church’s practice of selling indulgences. His ideas and actions sparked the Protestant Reformation, which led to the establishment of Christian denominations such as Lutheranism, Reformed, and Anglicanism.

Question 3

King Louis XIV

Answer 3

King Louis XIV was the King of France from 1643 to 1715. He is often known as the Sun King and is widely credited with transforming the country into the dominant European power of the time. He strengthened the French army, revived the French economy, and patronized the arts. He also established the French Academy of Sciences and built the grand Palace of Versailles. He also initiated the Code of Law, which became the basis for modern French law.

Question 4

Vasco de Gama

Answer 4

Vasco de Gama was a Portuguese explorer and navigator who led the first successful voyage from Europe to India by sea, which opened up a new trade route between the two regions and increased Portuguese influence in the Indian Ocean. He had a significant impact on world history and is celebrated as one of the greatest explorers of all time.