Age of Exploration

The Age of Exploration, spanning roughly from the late 15th to the early 17th centuries, was a period when European powers sought to discover new lands, trade routes, and resources. Motivated by a desire for wealth, knowledge, and religious expansion, explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama ventured into unknown territories. This era led to the mapping of the world, the establishment of colonies, and significant cultural exchanges, but also resulted in the exploitation and subjugation of indigenous peoples. The Age of Exploration profoundly shaped global trade and interactions, laying the groundwork for the modern world.