Celebrated Travels and Travellers, Part 1. Informative Summary

Overview:

Jules Verne’s “Celebrated Travels and Travellers, Part 1” takes readers on a chronological journey through the history of exploration, highlighting the accomplishments of notable adventurers who paved the way for our understanding of the world. The first part focuses on travels from ancient times to the early 1500s, chronicling the journeys of explorers like Hanno, Herodotus, Pytheas, Nearchus, Eudoxus, Caesar, Strabo, Fa-Hian, and Christopher Columbus.

The book provides detailed accounts of these expeditions, focusing on their routes, cultural encounters, and the motivations driving these journeys. It delves into the historical context of each era, shedding light on the prevailing beliefs, scientific knowledge, and political ambitions that influenced exploration.

Key Findings:

The book emphasizes the importance of commercial ventures in driving exploration, particularly during the Middle Ages and the early modern period.
Exploration was often driven by a desire to find alternative routes to Asia, specifically for access to the spice trade.
Early explorers relied on a combination of navigation techniques, including the compass, astrolabe, and knowledge of monsoons.
There is evidence of pre-Columbian exploration of the Americas by Vikings and possibly other Europeans.

Learning:

Historical context of exploration: The book provides insights into the changing motivations for exploration, from the early voyages driven by colonization and trade to the influence of religious zeal and scientific curiosity in later centuries.
Understanding cultural encounters: The text highlights the diverse encounters between European explorers and indigenous peoples across various continents, revealing the complex interactions, cultural exchange, and often unfortunate consequences of colonization.
Importance of scientific advancement: The book demonstrates the gradual advancement of scientific knowledge, particularly in astronomy, navigation, and cartography, which played a crucial role in shaping exploration.

Historical Context:

The text spans a vast period, from the ancient world of Carthage to the dawn of the European colonial era.
It captures the prevailing beliefs and scientific knowledge of the time, including the erroneous idea of the Earth’s size and shape, which fueled the search for alternative routes to Asia.
The book sheds light on the political and economic motivations behind exploration, such as the search for wealth, trade routes, and new territories.

Facts:

Hanno, the Carthaginian, led an expedition to explore the West Coast of Africa in 505 BC, documenting his findings on the “Periplus of Hanno.” This detailed account describes encounters with various tribes, animals like crocodiles and hippopotami, and a region with mysterious fires.
Herodotus, a Greek historian, travelled extensively in the 5th century BC, visiting Egypt, Lybia, Ethiopia, Phoenicia, Arabia, Babylon, Persia, India, and Greece. He provided detailed accounts of the cultures, customs, and geography of these regions.
Pytheas, a Greek explorer, ventured northwards in 340 BC, reaching the British Isles and possibly the Jutland or Norway. He was the first to note the influence of the moon on tides and the inaccuracy of the polar star’s position.
Nearchus, a Greek admiral under Alexander the Great, led an expedition along the Asian coast from the Indus to the Persian Gulf in 326 BC. His voyage included encounters with fierce Beloochees, whales, and the Ichthyophagi, a tribe that subsisted solely on fish.
Eudoxus of Cyzicus attempted to circumnavigate Africa in 146 BC. While the extent of his voyage remains uncertain, his attempt shows the early ambitions of circumnavigating the globe.
Julius Caesar conquered Gaul and Britain in the 1st century BC. His conquests led to the expansion of Roman influence and provided insights into the geography and populations of these regions.
Strabo, born in 50 BC, was a Greek geographer who travelled across Asia, Egypt, Greece, and Italy. His work, “Geography,” was a significant contribution to ancient geographical knowledge, alongside Ptolemy’s work.
Fa-Hian, a Chinese monk, explored Kan-tcheou, Tartary, Northern India, the Punjaub, Ceylon, and Java in the 4th century AD. His travels, documented in his writings, provide insights into the cultural and religious practices of these regions.
Cosmos Indicopleustes, a 6th-century Egyptian merchant, wrote “Christian Topography of the Universe.” This text, while focusing on his belief in a square Earth, includes valuable information about the fauna and flora of India and Ceylon.
The “Christian Topography of the Universe,” written by Cosmos Indicopleustes, outlines a square Earth with other planets, reflecting the limited scientific knowledge of the time.
Arculphe, a French bishop, traveled to the Holy Land in the 7th century AD, providing detailed descriptions of Jerusalem, the Valley of Jehoshaphat, Mount of Olives, Bethlehem, Jericho, the River Jordan, and other significant sites. His accounts are a valuable source for understanding the geography and history of the Holy Land.
Willibald, an English pilgrim, visited the Holy Land in the 8th century AD, following a similar route to Arculphe. He recounts his journey to Rome, his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and his eventual appointment as bishop.
Soleyman, a 9th-century merchant from Bassorah, journeyed through Ceylon, Sumatra, the Gulf of Siam, and the China Sea, reaching Jehan-fou (Tche-kiang). He provided detailed accounts of the region’s geography, wildlife, and cultural practices.
The Scandinavians established settlements in Iceland and Greenland in the 9th century AD. These voyages, documented in Icelandic Sagas, offer evidence of pre-Columbian European exploration of the Americas.
Prince Madoc, a Welsh prince, possibly explored the American continent in the 12th century AD. Although this claim is debated, it highlights the growing European interest in exploring unknown territories.
Benjamin of Tudela, a Spanish Jew, embarked on a 13-year journey in the 12th century AD, visiting Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, including Constantinople, Jerusalem, Baghdad, Babylon, Persia, India, and Ceylon. His writings provide a detailed account of Jewish communities across the world.
The Mongols under Gengis Khan established their empire in the 13th century AD, with Karakorum as their capital. The Mongol expansion led to numerous conflicts in Europe and Asia, prompting Pope Innocent IV. to send ambassadors, including Franciscan monk Jean du Plan de Carpin, to establish diplomatic relations.
Jean du Plan de Carpin, a Franciscan monk, travelled to the Mongol court in 1245-1247, providing valuable insights into Tartar culture, customs, and political structures. His account details the Mongol invasion of Europe, their beliefs, and their living conditions.
William Rubruquis, another Franciscan monk, journeyed to the Mongol court in 1253-1254. He explored the Sea of Azov, the Volga, and Karakorum, providing further information about the Mongol Empire.
Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant, embarked on a series of extensive travels in the 13th and 14th centuries, visiting Armenia, Persia, India, China, and Japan. His detailed accounts, written in French from his dictation, revolutionized European understanding of the East, providing valuable information about the Mongol Empire, Chinese culture, and geography.
Ibn Batuta, an Arab theologian, embarked on a 29-year journey in the 14th century, traversing Egypt, Arabia, Anatolia, Tartary, India, China, Bengal, and Sudan. His writings are a rich source of information about the cultures, customs, and geography of these regions.
Jean de Béthencourt, a Norman cavalier, conquered the Canary Islands in the 14th and 15th centuries, establishing a colony and converting the indigenous population to Christianity. He encountered many challenges, including mutiny and betrayal by his allies.
Don Henry, the Duke of Viseu, known as “the Navigator,” contributed greatly to Portuguese maritime exploration in the 15th century. His patronage of navigators and scientists, along with the establishment of a naval college, propelled Portugal’s colonial expansion and led to the discovery of Madeira, the Azores, and other territories.
Bartholomew Diaz was a Portuguese explorer who successfully rounded the Cape of Good Hope in 1487, opening the sea route to India. His journey was fraught with difficulties and a rebellious crew, but his discovery paved the way for Vasco da Gama’s historic voyage.
Christopher Columbus, a Genoese sailor, set out in 1492 with the intention of reaching Asia by sailing west. His four voyages resulted in the discovery of the Americas, although he believed he had landed in Asia until his death.
The discovery of Brazil by Alvarès Cabral in 1500 was an accidental finding during his voyage to India. He encountered severe storms and lost several ships, but his discovery marked a turning point in Portuguese colonial expansion.
Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, successfully reached India by sea in 1497, rounding the Cape of Good Hope and navigating the Indian Ocean. His voyage marked the beginning of Portuguese dominance in the Indian Ocean trade.
Ferdinand Cortès, a Spanish conquistador, conquered the Aztec Empire in Mexico in the early 16th century. He employed a combination of military prowess, diplomacy, and strategic alliances to defeat the Aztecs, establishing Spanish control over the region.
Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador, led an expedition to conquer the Inca Empire in Peru in the 16th century. He captured the Inca emperor Atahualpa and seized the Inca’s vast treasures, ultimately leading to the fall of the Inca Empire.
Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer in the service of Spain, led the first voyage to circumnavigate the globe in the early 16th century. He discovered the Strait of Magellan, crossed the Pacific Ocean, and reached the Spice Islands. His expedition was marked by mutiny, loss of ships, and his own death in the Philippines.
The Northmen, led by Eric the Red, established settlements in Greenland in the 10th century AD. Their voyages, documented in Sagas, provide the earliest evidence of European contact with the Americas.
The Zenos, a Venetian family, were involved in exploring the Arctic regions in the 14th century AD. Their journey, recorded in their writings, suggests possible contact with Greenland and other northern lands.
John Cabot, a Venetian explorer, obtained a charter from King Henry VII. of England in 1495 to explore new lands. His voyages resulted in the discovery of the North American coast, including Newfoundland and Labrador.
Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, undertook three voyages to Canada in the 16th century. He mapped the St. Lawrence River, reached Hochelaga (Montreal), and made important observations about Canadian geography, wildlife, and indigenous populations.
Martin Frobisher, an English explorer, led three voyages in search of the Northwest Passage in the late 16th century. He discovered Frobisher Strait and brought back black stones believed to contain gold.
John Davis, an English explorer, led three voyages to the Arctic in the late 16th century. He explored Davis Strait and reached a high latitude of 72° 12′, contributing significantly to the knowledge of the Arctic region.
William Barentz, a Dutch explorer, led three voyages in search of the Northeast Passage in the late 16th century. His third voyage, in 1596, resulted in the first known European wintering in the Arctic, documented in Gerrit de Veer’s journal, which provides invaluable insights into the harsh conditions of the region.
Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer, contributed greatly to the exploration and colonization of Canada in the early 17th century. He mapped the St. Lawrence River, explored Lake Huron and Lake Ontario, and founded Quebec.
Robert Cavelier de La Salle, a French explorer, led expeditions in North America in the late 17th century. He explored the Great Lakes, descended the Mississippi River, and claimed the region for France.

Statistics:

Hanno’s expedition consisted of 60 ships with 50 oars each, carrying 30,000 people.
Herodotus estimated India’s population to be larger than any other country at the time.
Pytheas noted that the polar star is not at the exact axis of the globe.
Nearchus’s fleet was composed of 33 galleys, ships with two decks, and a large number of transport vessels.
Eudoxus of Cyzicus set out with one large ship and two smaller ones.
Cæsar conquered Gaul over a period of 10 years.
Pliny devoted four books in his “Natural History” to geography.
Fa-Hian spent two years studying ancient Buddhist manuscripts in Ceylon.
Cosmos Indicopleustes described the pepper plant as a delicate shrub.
Arculphe estimated the distance from Jaffa to Alexandria to be 40 days of travel.
Benjamin of Tudela estimated that there were over 768,000 Jews in the world.
Carpini’s mission to the Tartar court lasted a year and a half.
The Mongols under Ojadaï had an army of 600,000 men.
Rubruquis journeyed for two months across a sandy desert.
Marco Polo spent three years and a half travelling across Central Asia.
Kublaï Khan possessed 10,000 white mares, whose milk was reserved for royalty.
Kublaï Khan maintained a hunting train of 10,000 falconers, 500 gerfalcons, and numerous other birds of prey.
Marco Polo was governor of Yang-tcheou and 27 other towns for three years.
The Yellow River is 3000 miles in length and flows through several provinces of China.
The Emperor of Mangi had 20,000 infants raised at the royal charge.
Marco Polo estimated that Quinsay (Hang-chow-foo) had 600,000 houses.
Kublaï Khan’s fleet for his daughter’s journey consisted of 44 four-masted ships.
The King of Tchampa had 326 children, of whom 150 were old enough to fight.
The Portuguese galleon captured by Drake was valued at 37,000 ducats.
The Cagafuego, captured by Drake, carried 80 lbs. of gold.
Cavendish’s fleet consisted of three ships carrying 123 soldiers and sailors.
Cavendish captured a ship of 708 tons, laden with rich stuffs and 122,000 gold pesos.
The Roebuck , commanded by Dampier, was only 70 tons.
The first European wintering in the Arctic occurred in 1596, with William Barentz and his crew.
Henry Hudson’s Hopewell was a small brig carrying a crew of 12 men.
William Baffin and Robert Byleth explored Baffin’s Bay in 1616.
Champlain’s first expedition to Canada consisted of two ships.
La Salle’s Griffon , laden with furs, was either lost or pillaged.
The French colony of Louisiana was founded by La Salle in 1682.
La Salle’s fleet for his second voyage to America consisted of four ships, including a frigate with 40 guns.
The Discovery , commanded by Byleth and Baffin, carried a crew of 50 men.
The Buona-Speranza , Buona-Confidencia, and Bonaventure were the ships of Willoughby and Chancellor’s expedition.
The Dutch ship Mercure was the ship of Barentz’s first Arctic expedition.
The Concorde and a yacht were the ships of Lemaire and Schouten’s expedition.
The Heemskerke and Zeechen were the ships of Tasman’s expedition.

Terms:

Periplus: A nautical text describing a voyage, often including coastal features, landmarks, and observations about the people and cultures encountered.
Padrao: A stone or wooden monument erected by Portuguese explorers to mark a territory claimed for Portugal.
Cacique: A native chief or leader in Central and South America, especially among the Aztec and Inca civilizations.
Repartimiento: A system of forced labor in the Spanish colonies, where indigenous people were divided among Spanish settlers, requiring them to work on mines or farms.
Conquistador: A Spanish conqueror, particularly one who participated in the conquest of the Americas in the 16th century.
Adelantado: A Spanish governor or administrator appointed to oversee a newly conquered territory, granting him significant authority.
Suttee: The Hindu practice of a widow immolating herself on her husband’s funeral pyre, which was abolished in India in the 19th century.
Bolas: A weapon used by indigenous people of South America, consisting of three balls connected by thongs, designed to ensnare and trap animals or enemies.
El Dorado: A legendary city of gold in South America, frequently sought by Spanish explorers, a myth that inspired numerous expeditions.
Tuba: A fermented drink made from the sap of the coconut palm, common in parts of Southeast Asia.

Examples:

Hanno’s expedition to the West Coast of Africa: This voyage provides a detailed record of ancient exploration, including encounters with indigenous tribes, the discovery of crocodiles and hippopotami, and a description of a region with mysterious fires.
Herodotus’s travels to Egypt: His accounts of Egyptian culture, religious practices, the construction of the pyramids, and the annual flood of the Nile, offer invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian civilization.
Pytheas’s exploration of the British Isles: His voyage demonstrates the early exploration of the region, including observations about tides and the position of the polar star.
Nearchus’s expedition from the Indus to the Persian Gulf: This voyage, undertaken under Alexander the Great, showcases the challenges and discoveries of early navigation along the Asian coast.
Fa-Hian’s journey to India and China: His travels as a Buddhist monk highlight the exchange of ideas and religious practices between the East and the West.
Benjamin of Tudela’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem: His journey in the 12th century provides a detailed record of Jewish communities across various parts of the world, offering valuable insights into their cultural and religious practices.
Carpini’s embassy to the Mongol court: His journey highlights the interaction between the Mongol Empire and Europe, providing insights into Tartar culture, customs, and political structures.
Marco Polo’s travels to the East: His extensive travels across Asia, particularly in the Mongol Empire and China, provide rich details about their cultures, economies, and geography.
Ibn Batuta’s extensive travels across Africa and Asia: His journey, spanning decades, demonstrates the scope of exploration in the 14th century and offers insights into diverse cultures and civilizations.
Jean de Béthencourt’s conquest of the Canary Islands: His story is an example of colonial expansion in the 14th and 15th centuries, showcasing the complexities of cultural encounters and the challenges of establishing colonies.

Conclusion: Jules Verne’s “Celebrated Travels and Travellers, Part 1” offers a fascinating journey through the history of exploration, highlighting the achievements of remarkable explorers who ventured into unknown territories. The book reveals the evolving motivations for exploration, from colonization and trade to scientific curiosity and religious zeal. The text underscores the impact of these journeys on our understanding of the world, showcasing the gradual advancement of scientific knowledge, the challenges and consequences of cultural encounters, and the enduring quest to discover and understand the world around us.

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