Exploration and Conquest

What instrument measured the height of the sun or a star?

• Astrolabe

• Compass

• Sextant

• Telescope

Answer explanation

The astrolabe is an ancient tool used in solving problems related to time and the position of the stars. It was used to measure the altitude of stars and the sun. This makes 'Astrolabe' the correct answer to the question about which instrument measured the height of the sun or a star.

Who buys goods from others?

• Merchant

• Conquistador

• Missionary

• Explorer

Answer explanation

The question asks about who purchases goods from others. Among the given options, the most appropriate answer is 'Merchant'. A merchant is a person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially one dealing with foreign countries or supplying goods to a particular trade. Therefore, a merchant buys goods from others.

What is an epidemic?

• An outbreak of disease that spreads quickly

• A religious ceremony

• A type of government

• A natural disaster

Answer explanation

An epidemic is a term used to describe an outbreak of disease that spreads quickly and widely among a population. This is different from a religious ceremony, a type of government, or a natural disaster. In this context, the correct answer is 'An outbreak of disease that spreads quickly' because it accurately defines what an epidemic is.

What is a trip made to explore called?

• Expedition

• Voyage

• Journey

• Adventure

Answer explanation

The question asks about a trip made specifically for exploration. Among the options provided, 'Expedition' best fits this description. An expedition is a journey or voyage undertaken for a specific purpose, often involving research or exploration, which is exactly what the question is asking for.

What is a Spanish conqueror called?

• Conquistador

• Navigator

• Pioneer

• Colonist

Answer explanation

A Spanish conqueror is best referred to as a 'Conquistador'. This term is specific to Spanish explorers who led military expeditions in the Americas and Asia. This differentiates them from the other options such as 'Navigator', 'Pioneer', and 'Colonist' which generally refer to people who explore, settle, or colonize new areas, but not specifically in a Spanish or military context.

What did Leif Ericsson do?

• He was one of the first Europeans to land in North America.

• Early supporter of exploration and navigation; started a school.

• He sailed around the Cape of Good Hope

• He searched for a western route to Asia; landed in North America. He started the Columbian Exchange.

Answer explanation

Leif Ericsson was a notable figure in history, known for his explorations. Among the options provided, the correct answer is that he was one of the first Europeans to land in North America. This underscores his significant contribution in pioneering transatlantic travel and exploration during his time.

Who was Prince Henry?

• He was one of the first Europeans to land in North America.

• Early supporter of exploration and navigation; started a school.

• He sailed around the Cape of Good Hope

• He searched for a western route to Asia; landed in North America. He started the Columbian Exchange.

Answer explanation

Prince Henry, also known as Prince Henry the Navigator, is primarily recognized as an early supporter of exploration and navigation. He is notable for starting a school of navigation that trained many of Europe's explorers and sailors during the Age of Exploration. This underscores the correct choice that he was an early supporter of exploration and navigation who started a school.

Who was Bartolomeu Dias?

• He was one of the first Europeans to land in North America.

• Early supporter of exploration and navigation; started a school.

• He sailed around the Cape of Good Hope

• He searched for a western route to Asia; landed in North America. He started the Columbian Exchange.

Answer explanation

Bartolomeu Dias was a notable figure in the Age of Exploration. He is recognized primarily for his voyage around the Cape of Good Hope, located at the southern tip of Africa. This marked a significant milestone in the attempt to establish a sea route from Europe to Asia, as it was the first recorded instance of a European ship rounding this cape. Therefore, the correct response is that Dias sailed around the Cape of Good Hope.

Who was Christopher Columbus?

• He was one of the first Europeans to land in North America.

• Early supporter of exploration and navigation; started a school.

• He sailed around the Cape of Good Hope

• He searched for a western route to Asia; landed in North America. He started the Columbian Exchange.

Answer explanation

Christopher Columbus was a navigator who sought a western route to Asia but instead landed in North America, instigating the Columbian Exchange. Unlike the first option, Columbus was not one of the very first Europeans in North America. He did not sail around the Cape of Good Hope nor did he start a school for exploration and navigation.

Who led the first expedition to sail all the way around the world?

• Christopher Columbus

• Juan Ponce De Leon

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Prince Henry

Answer explanation

The first expedition to sail all the way around the world was led by Ferdinand Magellan, not Christopher Columbus, Juan Ponce De Leon or Prince Henry. Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, organised the Spanish expedition to the East Indies from 1519 to 1522, which resulted in the first circumnavigation of the Earth, confirming his leadership in this feat.