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Explorers have played an important role in world history. Their discoveries have improved our knowledge of the Earth and have also changed the way we understand our place in the world. The historical articles below are about the voyages of two famous explorers. Before you read the articles, think about the following questions:
What dangers did explorers face in the past?
What are the possible requirements for becoming an explorer?
Sailing the Oceans
Zheng He
In the summer of 1405, Zheng He, one of China's greatest explorers, set sail from Taicang on his first voyage. A fleet of over 200 ships navigated the blue seas, with almost 28,000 people on board, which was a splendid scene. It would take 500 years before a larger fleet sailed the seas. According to some records, the largest ships were over 140 metres in length, demonstrating the advanced technology and special skills used in constructing ships.
Between 1405 and 1433, on behalf of the Ming Dynasty, Zheng He made a total of seven voyages. His ships were loaded with china, silk, tea and other treasures as gifts for foreign rulers, and the fleet paid friendly visits to more than 30 countries and regions. He even sailed as far as the east coast of Africa. As they sailed, the navigators took compass readings, kept logs of their voyages and charted the coast. Later the detailed maps became Zheng He's Navigation Map.
Zheng He's seven voyages had a far-reaching impact on China and its neighbours. In the countries and regions where Zheng He set foot, legends have been passed on about this great explorer. Zheng He's efforts helped develop and strengthen harmonious relations with these countries and regions, exposing foreign people to Chinese culture, and allowing the Chinese to better understand overseas lands.
For many years, some historians dismissed the records of these voyageas legends. The final proof came when an enormous shipyard was discovered in Nanjing, where the fleet had been built. Zheng He's accomplishments are now widely acknowledged, and he is remembered as one of China's most influential explorers.
Christopher Columbus
Those who make great discoveries must often overcome many challenges along the way—as was the case with the explorer Christopher Columbus. Columbus was born in a port city of Italy in 1451. As a teenager, he loved sailing, and he showed great interest in geography, which inspired him to begin his career as a seaman.
Columbus insisted on searching for a direct sea route to the East Indies by sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. After continuous attempts, he received financial support from the King and Queen of Spain. On 3 August 1492, he departed from Spain with three ships carrying about 90 crewmen. The journey was full of challenges: it took longer than expected, they faced a shortage of food, and one of the ships was leaking badly, which put everyone on this ship in grave danger. The men on board were in panic. Regardless of all the challenges, Columbus managed to keep everyone out of danger with his knowledge and bravery across the ocean. Finally, on 12 October, the crew spotted land in the distance. Columbus called the natives living on the islands Indians because he was convinced that he was in the East Indies. However, the shores they had reached were of the Caribbean, not the East Indies.
Between 1493 and 1504, Columbus found more land over the course of his three subsequent voyages. The major contribution of this great explorer is that he “discovered” the New World. His discovery inspired explorers such as Captain James Cook to explore and discover more vast areas of the world. His voyages opened a new chapter of the Age of Exploration, a period which witnessed many important geographical findings. This period also allowed for an international exchange of ideas and cultures.