caravel etymology

Etymology:

The word "caravel" comes from the Spanish "carabela." Its ultimate origin is disputed, but it is likely from the Medieval Portuguese "caravela," which may be derived from the Old Provençal word "caravella," a small vessel.

Meaning:

A caravel is a small, lateen-rigged sailing vessel that was developed in the 15th century by the Portuguese. Caravels were used for exploration and trade, particularly in the Atlantic Ocean. They were known for their speed, maneuverability, and shallow draft, which allowed them to navigate coastal waters effectively.

Origin:

The caravel was developed in the 15th century in Portugal as a vessel specifically designed for exploration along the coast of Africa. The Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator was a major patron of caravel development, and these ships played a key role in the Portuguese Age of Exploration.

The caravel was a hybrid design, combining elements from both Moorish and Mediterranean sailing traditions. It featured a lateen sail, a triangular sail hung from a yard that was suspended from the mast at an angle, which provided greater efficiency than the square sails used on northern European vessels. Caravels also had a shallow draft and a small crew, making them less expensive to operate and easier to maneuver in coastal waters.

The caravel played a significant role in the European exploration of the Americas, the Far East, and Africa. Christopher Columbus sailed to the Americas in 1492 in three caravels, and Portuguese navigators used caravels to explore the coast of Africa and establish trade routes to India.

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