2.0 New routes and Arrival of European traders

With the passing of the Dark Ages in Europe, the Renaissance ushered in a new era of discovery.

Adventurous seafarers in pursuit of riches and zealous Catholics intent on finding converts set sail to search for new lands. China, with her long history and legendary wealth, was an inevitable destination for European traders.

In 1498 the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa and reached India.

The new sea route from Europe to the East he discovered provided an alternative to the land route via the Middle East which passed through the Muslim world.

The sea route later reached China and served endless contingents of European merchants who sailed there for trade, including Portuguese, British and Dutch.

Credit : History Museum of HK.