jan 1, 1497 - Volta do Mar Begins To Be Used
Description:
Volta do Mar was a mode of transport used by the Portuguese during sea travel. In order to save time after trading in southern waters, they would sail their ships northwest, into an eastward wind, and end up arriving in Portugal faster than they would if they sailed in a straight line back to Portugal.
Significance: This quickened travel times, allowing ships to allocate more room for their products, saving them money. This also lead to the discovery of what we now call gyres (the circular current of water in our oceans), allowing easier and cheaper exploration of new lands.
Ch.23 pg.602
Added to timeline:
Theme: The Impact of Introduction, Invention, and Innovation (New Ideas) on World History from 1450-1750
Date:
