Early Explorers Vocabulary

Chapters 3&4

Merchant

Someone who buys and sells goods to earn money

The rich man bought a silk robe from the merchant.

Kingdom

A place ruled by a king or queen

Several kingdoms in West Africa grew strong because of trade.

Caravan

A group of people and animals who travel together

Because traveling in the desert was so dangerous, merchants would travel large caravans.

The Silk Road

Several Trade routes connecting China to Europe

Many merchants traveled on the Silk Road to buy silk, spices, and other goods from China.

Technology

The use of scientific knowledge and tools to do things better and more rapidly

The copy machine is an important piece of technology in our school, because many teachers use it to make

homework for their students.

Navigation

The science of planning and controlling the direction of a ship

If you want to be a Captain of a ship, you have to study

navigation.

Astrolabe

A tool that measures the height of the sun or a star above the horizon

The astrolabe told the Captain that he was getting closer to home.

Profit

The money a business has earned

The girls hoped to make a huge profit form their lemonade stand.

Slavery

A cruel system in which people are bought and sold and made to work without pay

Many Africans were forced into slavery.

Settlement

Small community of people living in a new place

If you could start your own settlement, where would you want to live?

Epidemic

An outbreak of disease that spreads quickly and affects many people

There was an epidemic of chicken pox in my sister’s preschool class.

Circumnavigate

To sail completely around something

Joe continued to circumnavigate the rocks while the sharks chased his boat.

Expedition

A journey to achieve a goal

The judges on American Idol are on an expedition to find the best singer in America.

Conquistador

A Spanish soldier who helped conquer the native civilizations of Central and South America

Alanzo dreamed of one day being a famous conquistador like his father.

Empire

Territories and groups of people controlled by one government

This map shows different Roman Empires of the Renaissance Period.

Colony

An area of land ruled by another country

Although the Aztec Empire was in Mexico, it was controlled by Spain and therefore a Spanish Colony.

Mission

A religious community where priests taught Christianity

Many priests set up missions in the new town to teach the people about Christianity. Can you find the churches?

hacienda

Large farm or ranch

Maria and her family lived on a beautiful hacienda for many years.

Convert

To change religion or a belief

Some Native Americans converted to Spanish rule and accepted their way of life.

Revolt

A violent uprising against a ruler

Our class began to revolt against our teacher at the end of the year.