Crash Course: World History — Season 1, Episode 21: Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Zheng He - 15th Century Mariners: Crash Course World History #21

Episode synopsis

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 a hero or a 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.

About Crash Course: World History

Crash Course World History is a video course hosted by John Green that teaches world history from growing the first crops in the First Agricultural Revolution to global textile production in the 2010s. Across the series, it builds skills in identifying and explaining historical developments, analyzing events in broader context, and tracing patterns and connections across time and place—aiming to help viewers become more informed citizens of the world. Season 1 follows the 2012 AP World History curriculum in a 42-episode chronological survey, while Season 2 continues in 30 episodes with a more thematic approach that focuses on systems and encourages viewers to question how “history” is written and what biases shape it.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1The Agricultural Revolution: Crash Course World History #1
• E2Indus Valley Civilization: Crash Course World History #2
• E3Mesopotamia: Crash Course World History #3
• E4Ancient Egypt: Crash Course World History #4
• E5The Persians & Greeks: Crash Course World History #5
• E6Buddha and Ashoka: Crash Course World History #6
• E72,000 Years of Chinese History! The Mandate of Heaven and Confucius: World History #7
• E8Alexander the Great: Crash Course World History #8
• E9The Silk Road and Ancient Trade: Crash Course World History #9
• E10The Roman Empire. Or Republic. Or...Which Was It?: Crash Course World History #10
• E11Christianity from Judaism to Constantine: Crash Course World History #11
• E12Fall of The Roman Empire...in the 15th Century: Crash Course World History #12