What did Europe want to find a route to?
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Europeans wanted to find sea routes to the Far East. Columbus wanted to find a new route to India, China, Japan and the Spice Islands. If he could reach these lands, he would be able to bring back rich cargoes of silks and spices.
Why did the European want to find a sea route?
Why did European nations seek a sea route to Asia? They wanted to bypass the existing trading routes controlled by foreign powers and gain direct access to the spices and other goods of Asia. He found previously unknown continents and expanded Spain’s trading and exploration rights.
Why did Europeans find new trade routes?
In the 15th century, Europe sought to expand trade routes to find new sources of wealth and bring Christianity to the East and any newly found lands. This European Age of Discovery saw the rise of colonial empires on a global scale, building a commercial network that connected Europe, Asia, Africa, and the New World.
Who was the most famous explorer of the age of exploration?
Christopher Columbus was probably the most famous explorer of the era. He achieved fame by sailing west in search of a sea route to India. Instead of reaching India he discovered that there was an unknown mass of land in between, land that the Europeans knew nothing of.
Who was the first European explorer to travel around Africa?
The Portuguese. The Portuguese were helped by Henry the Navigator to find new trade routes. He established a school for mapmakers, geographers and astronomers. Bartholomeu Dias became the first explorer from Europe to successfully travel around the southern tip of Africa in 1488.
Who was trying to find a new route to Asia?
Vasco da Gama tried to find a new route to Asia by traveling by water south from Portugal around Africa to try to reach Asia. In 1498, he succeeded as he reached India. Christopher Columbus also wanted to find a new route to Asia.
Why was Christopher Columbus so interested in exploration?
Christopher Columbus owned a copy of Marco Polo’s famous book, and it gave him a love for exploration. In the mid 15th century, Portugal was desperately trying to find a faster trade route to Asia.