Dan Snow's History Hit Disasters in the Age of Discovery
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Jun 3, 2025 Simon Parker, an associate professor at the University of Oxford and author of 'Wreckers: Disaster in the Age of Discovery,' shares gripping tales from the perilous voyages of the 16th century. He explores the physical and mental toll on sailors battling hurricanes and disease, and recounts disastrous encounters with indigenous peoples. From shipwrecks in the Indian Ocean to the harsh survival strategies of stranded crews, Parker illuminates the extreme risks of exploration, revealing how greed and hubris often led to tragedy.
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Perilous Nature of Early Voyages
- Early European voyages were dangerously improvised and violent expeditions into unknown waters.
- Navigation tools and ship technology were primitive, making survival uncertain against storms and reefs.
Fragile Ships of Discovery
- Ships like Portuguese caravels were smaller and more fragile than often imagined.
- Crews sailed in crowded, precarious wooden vessels only centimetres above sea level.
Indigenous Aid in Gama's Voyage
- Vasco da Gama's voyage was a monumental success but almost ended in disaster.
- Indigenous allies in East Africa played a crucial role in his survival and journey.
