Episode Guide

Columbus, de Gama, and Zheng He! 15th Century Mariners

Name: Columbus, de Gama, and Zheng He! 15th Century Mariners
Released: 2012-06-14
Cast: John Green

Series: Crash Course World History

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Series Progress: Episode 18 of 4639% Completed

A episode from Crash Course World History, Season 1, Episode 21.

At a Glance

Release DateJune 14, 2012

TypeEpisode

LanguageEnglish

Series Snapshot

Seasons1

Episodes46

You Are OnEpisode 18 of 46

Synopsis

In which John Green teaches you about the beginning of the so-called Age of Discovery. You've probably heard of Christopher Columbus, who "discovered" America in 1492, but what about Vasco da Gama? How about Zheng He? Columbus gets a bad rap from many modern historians, but it turns out he was pretty important as far as the history of the world goes. That said, he wasn't the only pioneer plying the seas in the 1400s. In Portugal, Vasco da Gama was busy integrating Europe into the Indian Ocean Trade by sailing around Africa. Chinese admiral Zheng He was also traveling far and wide in the largest wooden ships ever built. Columbus, whether portrayed as hero or villain, is usually credited as the great sailor of the 15th century, but he definitely wasn't the only contender. What better way to settle this question than with a knock-down, drag-out, no holds barred, old-fashioned battle royal? We were going to make it a cage match, but welding is EXPENSIVE.

Cast

John Green

Series Binge Profile

Total Content Density: 23 hours 0 minutes (46 episodes)

Intensity Rating: Relaxed Watch - Easy viewing. Perfect for casual watches.

Binge Milestones

1 episode/day: 46 days

3 episodes/day: 16 days

5 episodes/day: 10 days