Reading: The Sea of Atlas

The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest ocean in the world. It covers approximately twenty percent of the Earth´s surface. The first part of its name refers to "Atlas of Greek Mythology", making the Atlantic the "Sea of Atlas".

It did not exist prior to 130 million years ago, and has been extensively explored since the earliest settlements along its shores. The vikings, the Portuguese, and the Spaniards were the most famous among early explorers. After Columbus, European exploration rapidly accelerated, and many new trade routes were estabilished. As the result, the Atlantic became and remais the major artery between Europe and the Americas.

Vocabulary:

surface -  superfície

prior to - antes de

since the earliest settlement - desde as primeiras colonizações

shore - litoral; costa

early - inicial; primeiro; primitivo

trade routes - rotas de comércio

artery - via principal

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