A Journey Through 'Ocean' and 'Tracks on the Ocean

History Indian History

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-01-30 09:23:13 |

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Exploration and Prehistoric Settlement
John Haywood’s Ocean provides a sweeping history of Atlantic exploration, beginning 168,000 years ago. He discusses prehistoric settlements around the Atlantic Ocean, focusing on the early human migration patterns from Africa to the Americas, the development of maritime technologies, and how coastal communities shaped their lives by the sea. Haywood also touches on the significant role of marine resources like fish and seafood in these early societies.

Viking and Religious Journeys
The book highlights the impact of Viking exploration, focusing on their settlements in Iceland, Greenland, and Newfoundland, as well as their maritime innovations. Haywood also explores religious journeys, such as the medieval Irish monks’ peregrinatio and the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, showing how religion motivated much of early sea travel.

The Age of European Imperialism
Haywood’s final section examines the rise of European exploration, particularly by the Portuguese and Spanish. He challenges the traditional heroization of Columbus, suggesting instead that he was part of a larger wave of exploration driven by resource acquisition, religious motives, and expanding empires. Haywood credits Amerigo Vespucci for conceptualizing the "New World" in the late 15th century.

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