And in the blue corner is Vasco da Gama, from scrappy little Portugal, who managed to introduce Europeans to the Indian Ocean trade network. In the red corner, we have Zheng He, who, when it comes to ocean-going voyages was the first major figure of the 15th century. So unlike Me from the Past, I'd argue that Columbus has a deserved reputation in history - but was he really the greatest sailor of the 15th Century? Well, let’s meet the other contestants. This is going to serve you well both in your academic career and in your Kissing Career. Here’s a little rule of thumb, Me from the Past: If you are not an expert in something, don’t pretend to be an expert. Mr Green, Mr Green! Columbus was just a lucky idiot. Right, so you’ve probably heard of Christopher Columbus who in 1492 sailed the ocean blue and discovered America, a place that had been previously discovered only by millions of people. Hi, I’m John Green this is Crash Course World History and today we’re going to do some compare and contrast, because that’s what passes for hip in world history. Want to find Crash Course elsewhere on the internet? Unknown Seas by Ronald Watkins: A highly readable account of Vasco da Gama's introduction of Europe into the Indian Ocean trade. When China Ruled the Sea by Louise Levathes: A history of the Ming dynasty's ventures into maritime exploration. The Age of Reconnaissance by JH Parry - An explanation of the technologies that made these voyages possible, and a nice detailed record of many of the important voyages. Who Was the Greatest Mariner of the 15th Century? 9:29 Vasco da Gama's Motivations and Strategies 5:05Īn Open Letter to the Line of Demarcation 7:21 Reasons for China's 15th Century Naval Expeditions 2:57 What better way to settle this question than with a knock-down, drag-out, no holds barred, old-fashioned battle royal? We were going to make it a cage match, but welding is EXPENSIVE. Columbus, whether portrayed as a hero or a villain, is usually credited as the great sailor of the 15th century, but he definitely wasn't the only contender. Chinese admiral Zheng He was also traveling far and wide in the largest wooden ships ever built. In Portugal, Vasco da Gama was busy integrating Europe into the Indian Ocean Trade by sailing around Africa.

That said, he wasn't the only pioneer plying the seas in the 1400s. You've probably heard of Christopher Columbus, who 'discovered' America in 1492, but what about Vasco da Gama? How about Zheng He? Columbus gets a bad rap from many modern historians, but it turns out he was pretty important as far as the history of the world goes.

In which John Green teaches you about the beginning of the so-called Age of Discovery.

Vasco da gama what did he do