history of oceanography-exam 1 material Flashcards
What was the role of Arab traders during the Middle Ages?
They became maritime traders.
With which regions did Arab traders trade during the Middle Ages?
India and Southeast Asia.
What navigational skills did Arab traders develop?
They became celestial navigators.
Who made one of the earliest voyages from the Mediterranean to England?
Pytheas
Pytheas was an ancient Greek explorer known for his travels and explorations.
What relationship did Pytheas recognize?
The relationship between the tides and the moon
This observation was significant for understanding tidal patterns.
What were Pytheas’s attempts in navigation?
Determining latitude and longitude
His efforts to measure these coordinates were pioneering for his time.
Who is credited as the first historian?
Herodotus
What significant contribution did Herodotus make in geography?
Created the earliest map of the world
Into which three regions did Herodotus divide the world?
- Europe
- Asia
- Africa
What natural phenomena did Herodotus make observations about?
- Currents
- Tides to the moon
Fill in the blank: Herodotus is known for being the first historian and created the earliest map of the _______.
[world]
Who invented the study of geography?
Eratosthenes
What system did Eratosthenes invent?
The system of longitude and latitude
What significant calculation did Eratosthenes make regarding the Earth?
First to calculate tilt of Earth’s axis
Who made the first world atlas and established world boundaries?
Ptolemy
Ptolemy’s work laid the foundation for modern cartography.
What significant calculations did Ptolemy make regarding the Earth?
Calculated Earth’s circumference
His calculation was too small, influencing Columbus’s voyage.
What was a consequence of Ptolemy’s calculation of Earth’s circumference?
Led Columbus to America instead of Asia
This miscalculation was pivotal in the Age of Exploration.
What mapping system did Ptolemy introduce?
Grid system for mapping
This system helped in the precise location of places on maps.
What did Ptolemy recognize about seas?
Seas connected the world
This understanding was crucial for trade and exploration.
For how long was Ptolemy’s map used as a reference?
Centuries
His maps influenced cartography until the Renaissance and beyond.
Who were the Vikings?
Seamen who explored, traded, and colonized for 3 centuries
Best known for their voyages across the North Atlantic Ocean.
What were the Vikings best known for?
Their voyages across the North Atlantic Ocean
They played a significant role in exploration and trade.
What did the Vikings develop?
Navigation tools and long distance travel
These advancements were crucial for their explorations.
What was the primary goal of Western monarchs (Columbus) during the Age of Discovery?
To seek trade routes
This period marked a significant interest in finding new trade opportunities, particularly in Asia.
