European exploration was inspired by popular books, including those written by __________.

A.Sir John Mandeville and Marco Polo
B.Marco Polo and Leif Ericson
C.Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama
D.Sir John Mandeville and Bartolomeu Dias
Help please!!

To answer this question, you need to determine which books inspired European exploration. One way to find the answer is to study the history of European exploration and the books that were popular during that time. Here is a breakdown of each option:

A. Sir John Mandeville and Marco Polo: Sir John Mandeville was an English writer known for his travelogue "The Travels of Sir John Mandeville," which described his purported journeys across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Marco Polo was an Italian explorer who wrote the book "The Travels of Marco Polo," which documented his travels to China and other parts of Asia. Both Mandeville and Polo's travel accounts were influential, but it is important to verify if they specifically inspired European exploration.

B. Marco Polo and Leif Ericson: This option includes Marco Polo, mentioned above, and Leif Ericson, a Norse explorer who is said to have reached North America around the 11th century. While these explorers had an impact on European exploration, it is necessary to examine whether their books were influential in inspiring future explorers.

C. Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama: Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama were Portuguese explorers who played a crucial role in the Age of Discovery. They sailed around the Cape of Good Hope, establishing new trade routes with Africa, India, and beyond. While they didn't necessarily write books that directly inspired European exploration, their voyages and discoveries had a significant impact on other explorers.

D. Sir John Mandeville and Bartolomeu Dias: This option combines the writings of Sir John Mandeville, as discussed above, with the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias. Like mentioned earlier, Mandeville's book may have had some influence, but the inclusion of Bartolomeu Dias suggests a more accurate answer.

Based on the information provided, it seems option D, "Sir John Mandeville and Bartolomeu Dias," is the most probable answer. However, it is crucial to consult reliable historical sources to confirm this information and understand the full context of the influence of books on European exploration.

what role did marco polo play in the age of exploration