Chinese innovation in seafaring
I can explain why the Chinese were such good navigators.
Chinese innovation in seafaring
I can explain why the Chinese were such good navigators.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Zheng He and other Chinese sailors were able to navigate across large distances because of various things they used.
- The Chinese used strong ships called junks with many large sails.
- These ships had a rudder, which allowed the Chinese to steer them without oars, which was easier.
- The Chinese were the first seafarers to use a compass, which made navigation more simple and reliable.
Keywords
Junk - a Chinese ship with sails and a rudder was called a junk
Rudder - a rudder is a flat moveable piece of wood at the back of a boat that can help it change direction
Navigate - to navigate means to find a way from one place to another
Compass - a compass is a tool used for navigating that always points north
Common misconception
Chinese ships must have had engines.
Engines had not been invented yet. Chinese sailing ships relied on the wind and power of the sea to make long journeys.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
from China.
across the Indian Ocean.
carved into steles.
from other countries.