Exploration

Beginning of Exploration

1419

The Age of Discovery, or the Age of Exploration (approximately from the beginning of the 15th century until the middle of the 17th century), is an informal and loosely defined term for the period in European history in which extensive overseas exploration emerged as a powerful factor in European culture and which was the beginning of globalization. It also marks the rise of the widespread adoption of colonialism and mercantilism as national policies in Europe.

Why did people explore

1425

The most common reason was trade. The old world wanted Asian spices, African ivory, and gold. European traders were soon also seizing lands and trying to convert the local populations to the Christian faith. Many explorers, though, were driven by a sense of adventure or scientific inquiry.

Famous Explorers

1430

Roald Amundsen.
Neil Armstrong.
Ibn Battuta.
Nellie Bly.
Daniel Boone.
Christopher Columbus.
Captain James Cook.
Hernan Cortes.