Technology Of Exploration

Question 1

Portolan chart

Answer 1

Mapped harbours and coastlines more precisely, recording information like currents, tides and depth.

Question 2

Quadrant and astrolabe

Answer 2

Helped determine a ships latitude (distance from the equator) by using the position of the stars and the sun.

Question 3

Compass

Answer 3

Was used to identify north

Question 4

Log and line

Answer 4

Measured the ships speed in knots. The line had intervals and was tied around a log. A sailor would hold the line, throw the log overboard and measure the ships speed by how many knots passed through their hand at a given time (measured by the hourglass). The speed was recorded in the ships logbook.

Question 5

Line and lead weight

Answer 5

It was used to measure the depth of the water, especially at coastlines to make sure the water wasn’t too shallow or hit rocks.

Question 6

Caravel

Answer 6

Large and sturdy enough to make long voyages and able to sail in all winds

Question 7

Lateen sails

Answer 7

Triangular sails that allowed ships to saol into the wind and made them easier to manoeuvre in bays and along coasts.

Question 8

Carvel-built hulls

Answer 8

Plank fitted edge to edge (rather than overlapping planks that Vikings had) made the ship lighter so that ships could be bigger, more masts and could carry more men and supplies.

Question 9

Rudders

Answer 9

Made the carvel easier to steer.

Question 10

Castle

Answer 10

At the back of the deck provided crew quarters and served as a lookout point and a defensible area in case of attack

Question 11

What came after caravels?

Answer 11

Naos