the Great Age of Exploration

The Great Age of Exploration, spanning roughly from the late 15th to early 17th centuries, was a period when European nations actively sought new trade routes and territories across the world. Driven by economic ambitions, curiosity, and advancements in navigation, explorers like Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Magellan charted unknown waters, discovering new lands in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. This era expanded global knowledge, facilitated cultural exchanges, and laid the groundwork for colonial empires, but also led to conflicts and widespread impacts on indigenous populations. It marked a pivotal moment in redefining the world's interconnectedness.