Caravel meaning

A caravel was a type of small and fast sailing ship used during the Age of Exploration.


Caravel definitions

Word backwards levarac
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division Ca-ra-vel
Plural The plural of the word "caravel" is "caravels".
Total letters 7
Vogais (2) a,e
Consonants (4) c,r,v,l

The caravel was a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship that was developed in the 15th century by the Portuguese. Historically significant for its role in maritime exploration, the caravel was instrumental in advancing European exploration and trade.

Design and Features

The caravel was known for its distinctive design, which included a narrow hull, a shallow draft, and a large sail area. This design allowed the caravel to be highly maneuverable and sail efficiently against the wind. Caravels were typically equipped with lateen sails, which enabled them to sail closer to the wind than other contemporary vessels.

Exploration and Trade

Caravels played a significant role in the Age of Exploration, as they were used by explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama to discover new trade routes and territories. The caravel's versatility and seaworthiness made it ideal for long ocean voyages, allowing for extended periods at sea.

Impact and Legacy

The development of the caravel revolutionized maritime technology and played a crucial role in the expansion of European influence around the globe. Its design influenced future shipbuilding techniques and laid the foundation for the evolution of modern sailing vessels.

In conclusion, the caravel was a groundbreaking ship that shaped the course of history through its contributions to exploration and trade. Its innovative design and capabilities made it a key player in the Age of Exploration, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of maritime navigation.


Caravel Examples

  1. The caravel was a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship used by the Portuguese in the 15th and 16th centuries.
  2. Explorers like Christopher Columbus used caravels to navigate the seas in search of new lands.
  3. The caravel's design allowed it to sail close to the wind, giving it an advantage in exploration.
  4. Caravels were primarily used for long-distance trade and exploration during the Age of Discovery.
  5. The caravel's innovative hull design made it faster and more agile than other ships of its time.
  6. Famous caravels include the NiƱa, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria used by Columbus on his first voyage to the Americas.
  7. The caravel played a crucial role in opening up new trade routes between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
  8. Portuguese sailors like Vasco da Gama used caravels to reach India by navigating around the Cape of Good Hope.
  9. The caravel's ability to carry a large amount of cargo made it ideal for trading valuable goods between continents.
  10. Today, replicas of caravels can be found in maritime museums, showcasing the innovative design and history of these historic ships.


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  • Updated 03/04/2024 - 21:47:20