Old World facts for kids
The Old World is a term for the parts of the world that Europeans knew about before Christopher Columbus's voyages. This mainly included Europe, Asia, and Africa. These continents were connected by land and had been trading and interacting for thousands of years.
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The World Before 1492
For a long time, people in the Old World thought their continents were all there was. They had developed many civilizations, empires, and trade routes. Goods like spices, silk, and gold traveled across vast distances, connecting different cultures. Famous explorers like Marco Polo traveled across Asia, bringing back knowledge and goods.
The Arrival of Europeans in the Americas
In 1492, Spain sent Christopher Columbus on a journey to find a new sea route to Asia. Instead, he landed in the Americas, which Europeans then called the "New World." This discovery changed how people in the Old World saw the globe.
When Europeans arrived, they met Native American people. At first, there was some trade and interaction. Europeans brought new foods and animals that Native Americans had never seen. These included sugarcane, pigs, and horses.
However, Europeans also unknowingly brought diseases like smallpox. Native Americans had no natural protection against these illnesses, and sadly, many died. The arrival of Europeans also led to conflicts and the loss of many Native American lives as new settlements were built.
The New World and Beyond
After Columbus's voyages, the terms "Old World" and "New World" became common. The "New World" referred to North America and South America. This period marked the beginning of a new era of exploration and connection between continents that had previously been separate.
Images for kids
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Old World
See also
In Spanish: Viejo Mundo para niños
