The Medieval Expansion of Europe

Between 1000 and 1500 trade and travel flourished as Europe looked for new worlds to explore and conquer. Despite the myths and misconceptions about distant countries accomplished explorers such as Marco Polo expanded the boundaries of European trade and understanding. In this survey, the author draws on a large amount of evidence and suggests that the medieval tradition of exploration was rooted in classical ideas of the world and in turn fostered the famous voyages of the Renaissance. He also looks at the myths and hoaxes of medieval exploration.