Age of Exploration

The Age of Exploration was a period of European overseas exploration that took place from the late 15th century through the 17th century. During this era, European sailors, navigators, and explorers ventured across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans in search of new trade routes, wealth, and territory. Explorers like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Hernán Cortés made voyages that transformed world history. The Age of Exploration led to the establishment of overseas colonies as well as the Columbian Exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old World and the New World. These expeditions also resulted in the devastating conquest and colonization of indigenous peoples in the Americas, Africa and Asia.