an archaeologist digs up and studies objects from the past

evidence is something that proves an idea or fact to be true

the stars are balls of gas in space that give off light and heat

a port is a place where boats load and unload, and trade happens

Viking navigation and expansion

History

Early explorers and their boats

How Polynesian explorers travelled and navigated

Seafaring in the early Mediterranean world

The Vikings and their longboats

The incredible voyages of Zheng He

Chinese innovation in seafaring

John Cabot's journeys across the Atlantic

Seafaring 550 years ago

John Franklin's lost expedition

Seafaring 150 years ago

From sail to steam power

In ‘Significant explorers: how has seafaring changed over time?’ pupils develop their chronological framework, studying a theme that introduced change and continuity across a long time span. In ‘Significant rulers from the past: what can their stories tell us?’ they continue to develop chronological understanding whilst being introduced to various substantive concepts that relate to ruling.

In ‘Traditional stories: what do they tell us about the distant past?’ pupils moved to the distant past in order to start building their chronological framework by hearing traditional historical stories. In ‘Significant explorers: how has seafaring changed over time?’ pupils develop this framework further by studying a theme that introduces change and continuity across a long time span.

This unit on explorers and seafaring gives students a clear sense of change over time, highlighting technological, economic, and cultural shifts. It covers the sea's role in trade and exploration and explores material culture, craftsmanship, and the influence of seafaring on language and art.

Significant explorers: How has seafaring changed over time?

Which people dig up objects from the past?

Archaeologists think the Vikings used {{ }} to help them navigate.

Vikings had no maps. How did they navigate their longboats?

Vikings went on journeys to reach ports. Why did they do this?

The Vikings travelled to lots of different ports in the east and west.

Which word means travelling along a route?

What did Vikings use to move their longboats?

What was special about the bottom of a longboat?

What did Vikings do with their shields before a raid?

Starter Quiz

Which people sailed in longboats?