Although it sounds somewhat paradoxical, the discovery of the New World marked the appearance of the Old. Five centuries have passed since then, but the Old World is a concept that is still being used today. What value was put into it before? What does it mean today?
Term Definition
The Old World is that part of the land that was known to Europeans in the Middle Ages before the discovery of the American continent. The division was conditional and was based on the position of the lands relative to the sea. Merchants and travelers believed that there were three parts of the world: Europe, Asia, Africa. Europe lies in the north, Africa in the south, and Asia in the east. Subsequently, when the data on the geographical division of the continents became more accurate and complete, they found out that only Africa was a separate continent. However, the ingrained views were not so easy to win, and all 3 parts of the world continued to be traditionally mentioned separately.
Sometimes the name Afro-Eurasia is used to define the territorial array of the Old World. In fact, this is the largest continental mass - a supercontinent. It is home to approximately 85 percent of the world's population.
Time Period
Speaking of the Old World, they often mean not justspecific geographic location. These words carry information about a specific historical period, culture and the discoveries made then. We are talking about the Renaissance, when the ideas of natural philosophy and experimental science replaced medieval asceticism and theocentrism.
A person's attitude to the world is changing. Gradually, from the toy of a whole host of gods, who have the power to dispose of human life according to their whims and whims, a person begins to feel like the master of his earthly home. He strives for new knowledge, which leads to a number of discoveries. Attempts are made to explain the structure of the surrounding world with the help of mechanics. Measuring devices are being improved, including navigational ones. One can already trace the birth of such natural sciences as physics, chemistry, biology and astronomy, which are replacing alchemy and astrology.
The changes that took place then gradually paved the way for the expansion of the boundaries of the known world. They served as a prerequisite for the discovery of new lands. Courageous travelers set off to uncharted lands, and their stories inspired even more daring and risky ventures.
The historical journey of Christopher Columbus
In August 1492, three well-equipped ships under the command of Christopher Columbus set sail from the harbor of Palos for India. It was the year of the discovery of America, but the famous discoverer himself never knew that he had discovered a continent previously unknown to Europeans. He was sincerely convinced thatmade his four expeditions to India.
The journey from the Old World to the new lands took three months. Unfortunately, it was neither cloudless, nor romantic, nor disinterested. The admiral hardly kept the subordinate sailors from rebellion on the first voyage, and the main driving force for the discovery of new territories was greed, the lust for power and vanity. These ancient vices, brought from the Old World, subsequently brought much suffering and grief to the inhabitants of the American continent and nearby islands.
Christopher Columbus didn't get what he wanted either. Going on his first voyage, he prudently tried to protect himself and secure his future. He insisted on the conclusion of a formal agreement, according to which he received a title of nobility, the title of admiral and viceroy of the newly discovered lands, as well as a percentage of the income received from the above lands. And although the year of the discovery of America was supposed to be a ticket to a secure future for the discoverer, after a while Columbus fell out of favor and died in poverty without receiving the promise.
The New Light Arises
Meanwhile, ties between Europe and the New World grew stronger. Trade was established, the development of lands lying in the depths of the mainland began, claims of various countries for these lands were formed, and the era of colonization began. And with the advent of the concept of "New World", the terminology began to use the stable expression "Old World". After all, before the discovery of America, there was simply no need for this.
Interestingly, the traditional division intoThe Old and New Worlds remained unchanged. At the same time, Oceania and Antarctica, unknown during the Middle Ages, are not taken into account today.
For decades the New World has been associated with a new and better life. The American continent was the promised land, which sought to get thousands of immigrants. But in their memory they kept their native places. The Old World is traditions, origins and roots. Prestigious education, fascinating cultural trips, historical monuments - this is still associated today with European countries, with the countries of the Old World.
Wine lists change geographical
If in the field of geography terminology, including the division of continents into the New and Old Worlds, is already a relatively rare occurrence, then among winemakers such definitions are still held in high esteem. There are stable expressions: "wine of the Old World" and "wine of the New World". The difference between these drinks is not only in the place where the grapes grow and the location of the winery. They are rooted in the same differences that are characteristic of the continents.
Thus, the wines of the Old World, mostly produced in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Austria, have a traditional taste and a delicate elegant bouquet. And New World wines, for which Chile, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand are famous, are brighter, with obvious fruity notes, but somewhat lose in finesse.
The Old World in the modern sense
Today the term "OldLight" is mainly applied to states located in Europe. In the vast majority of cases, neither Asia nor even Africa is taken into account. So, depending on the context, the expression "Old World" can include either as many as three parts of the world, or only European states.
