Age of Exploration: Conclusion

 For centuries, mapmakers have been redefining the world. It was not until the great age of discovery from the early Vikings to the Portuguese to the last voyage of Captain Cook that the earth was mapped to look as it does today. Following Cook's voyages, the only uncharted area to be discovered was Antarctica.

The age of exploration is inherent in the human existence. It did not end with vast sea exploits. Adventurers explored by land and air, and now venture into space. Once most of the earth was charted and documented, human beings sought to break time records of air travel around the world. Now that air travel is rapid and routine, mankind has ventured out to the infinity of space.

Space exploration now holds the same wonder and fables that once fascinated the Europeans of the fifteenth century. Modern generations marvel at mankind's first steps on the moon. Perhaps future generations will marvel at mankind's first steps on Mars, or the first meeting with an alien civilization. What modern truths will turn into the myths of the future?

If it were not for the bravery and adventurous spirit of the explorer, mankind would never know what lies beyond or advance comfortably with rapidly changing technology.