During the last centuries of the Middle Ages the charting
of coasts became a science. A sailor might rely on the "handy maps"
(_portolani_) which outlined with some approach to accuracy the bays, islands,
and headlands of the Mediterranean and adjacent waters. Manuals were prepared
telling the manner about the tides, currents, and other features of the route
he intended to follow. The increase in size of ships made navigation safer and
permitted the storage of bulky cargoes. For long voyages the sailing vessel
replaced the medieval galley rowed by oars. As the result of all these
improvements navigators no longer found it necessary to keep close to the
shore, but could push out dauntlessly into the open sea.
MOTIVES FOR EXPLORATION
Many motives prompted exploration. Scientific curiosity,
bred of the Renaissance spirit of free inquiry, led men to set forth on voyages
of discovery. The crusading spirit, which had not died out in Europe, thrilled
at the thought of spreading Christianity among heathen peoples. And in this
age, as in all epochs of exploration, adventurers sought in distant lands
opportunities to acquire wealth and fame and power.
