CHAPTER 1

· 500 years ago there were 500 civilizations here

· Civilizations have:

1. trade centers

2. specialized labor

3. organized govt. and religion

4. a common record keeping history

5. technology

Civilization: a complex blend of cultures with enough in common

· Columbus’ stage was set by:

1. Marco Polo 11-1200 AD; Italian who brought back Chinese culture

2. Crusades – 100 year war for the holy land Muslims vs. Christians

Renaissance: 1400

· Period of art, science, learning intellectual curiosity

· Spices were valuable during this period of time

How did we get to India for these spices?

1. You could take a land route, but there are weather, distance issues

2. You could go by sea – then land- then sea; but this was impractical

3. You could go by a water route sailing around Africa; but this would take too long

Columbus: He wanted to sail to India without going around Africa. When he attempted to do this, he hit America instead.