This lesson zooms in on the experiences of one ‘migrant’ from the period – Diego the Circumnavigator.
Diego was enslaved by the Spanish. He escaped, and went on to work in Francis Drake’s crew during their circumnavigation of the globe.
Diego’s story illuminates the expanding opportunities for travel and exploration in the period.
It also ties in with the themes of the previous lesson, as Diego’s story emphasises the extent to which many early modern migrants were ‘pushed’ into migrating by forces outside of their own control.
It also seeks to give some agency back to people like Diego, as students discover the important role he played on the circumnavigation voyage.
The main lesson activity centres upon an engaging ‘mapping’ activity.
Students plot the route taken by Drake, Diego and the rest of the crew on their voyage.
Then they identify specific ways in which Diego helped the English sailors to overcome geographical and contextual challenges on their way.
Finally, students are challenged to write labels/plaques for a museum exhibition, explaining how Diego ought to be remembered today.
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