The Explorer
You are an explorer living in the fifteenth century. Think about what that means for empires that are in
decline as well as the emergence of ambitious rising powers that aspire to profit from the Silk Road. This
situation presents you with an opportunity to amass a fortune, assuming you know enough about the
geographic, economic, and political realities of your times that you can translate this dream into
reality. How you go about that task depends on you, your bravery, and your cunning.
For the elites of fifteenth-century Western Europe, the task is a daunting one: they must reopen the Silk
Road at all costs. But, who is going to sell a feasible plan to potential investors? The Crusades, though
far from over, have tapered off having sustained heavy recent losses. The Papacy was preoccupied with
scandal and schism. Circumnavigating the horn of Africa to reach the Indian Ocean is possible, but it is
costly, and the journey is a long and arduous one. Simply put, there must be a shorter, faster way to get
to Asia.
Your job is to write a proposal to a group of wealthy investors who are willing to advance vast sums of
money to fund your expedition. How would you go about doing that?
Keep in mind that these investors belong to a new, emerging group of potential power brokers: bankers.
The rise of Venice and other commercial city-states throughout Europe witnessed the rise of the great
banking houses. Kings and dukes must borrow money from them to finance wars. However, do not think
you must approach royalty only to secure the financial resources you are going to need.
When formulating your proposal, make sure you consider the following questions:
a. What will your efforts bring them as rewards?
b. Once you secure financing, what shipwrights and shipyards do you plan to visit?
c. Who in Europe at this time makes the best, most accurate maps?
d. How you recruit your crew?
e. What “prize” will you offer them (e.g., spiritual reward, gold, glory)?
f. When do you plan to set sail?
g. Will part of your journey be over land?
h. Have you secured permission to enter certain realms?
