The Age of Discovery

1500–1700

Also called the Age of Exploration, this period is characterised as a time when Europeans began exploring the world by sea in search of trading partners, new goods, and new trade routes. Though the desire to simply explore the unknown and discover new knowledge is a typical human trait, it was also very expensive. As a result, many explorers turned to their respective governments who had their own agendas for the exploration of new areas.

The famed voyages of Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan, among others, define the period. Though the Age of Discovery ended in the 17th century, it is important to note that exploration did not cease entirely at this time. Rather, it served as a stepping-stone for geographic knowledge. It allowed more people to see and study various areas around the world, increasing geographic study and giving us the basis for much of the knowledge we have today.