开辟欧亚新航路的若干问题和历史作用

Some Questions about the New Sea Route from Europe to Asia and Its Historical Role

达·伽马率葡萄牙舰船队于1497—1499年开辟成功欧亚(印)新航路。这次远航是迄当时为止世界历史上历时最长、距离最远、危险最大、牺牲最多的远航。它所开辟的欧亚新航路把欧亚非三大洲联系在一起,是传统海上丝绸(瓷器)之路的极大拓展和延伸。这条新航路促进了沿路各洲各国各地各族的物质文化人员交流,逐渐成为发展经济的大动脉。欧亚新航路的开辟和大航海时代其他重要新航路的开辟为西方国家的国力大增打开了门径,西方从此渐渐超过东方。

The Portuguese fleet led by Vasco da Gama exploreda new sea route from Europe to Asia (India) during 1497-1499. This voyage was the longest, farthest, and most dangerous one with the greatestloss of life. The new route connected Europe, Asia and Africa, and it was a great expansion and extension of the traditional Maritime Silk (Porcelain) Road. It promoted the exchanges of goods, culture and personnel among continents, countries, regions and nationalities along this route, andit wasa catalyst of world economy. The opening of this sea route and other routes during the Age of Explorationenabled the Western countries to strengthen their power and gradually surpassed the East, more and more.