Antique map of Age of discovery between 1340 - 1600

The Age of Discovery, also known as the Age of Exploration, spanned roughly from the 15th century to the 17th century. 

The 15th century witnessed several key developments that set the stage for the Age of Discovery. One of the most notable events was the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453 to the Ottoman Turks, which motivated European powers to seek alternative trade routes to Asia. In 1492, Christopher Columbus, sailing under the Spanish crown, reached the Americas, believing he had reached Asia. This event opened the door to further European exploration.

Portuguese explorers played a significant role in the Age of Discovery. In the late 15th century, under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portuguese sailors embarked on expeditions along the African coast, looking for a sea route to Asia. Bartholomeu Dias successfully rounded the Cape of Good Hope in 1488, proving that a route to India was feasible by sea. This accomplishment paved the way for Vasco da Gama, who, in 1498, reached India, establishing direct trade links with the East.

In the early 16th century, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain, set out on an expedition to find a western route to the Spice Islands (present-day Indonesia). Although Magellan died during the voyage, his crew completed the first circumnavigation of the globe in 1522, proving that the Earth was indeed round.

During the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors, such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro, embarked on expeditions to the Americas, conquering vast territories in search of wealth and power. This period saw the colonization of regions like Mexico, Peru, and parts of North America.

In the late 16th century, the English explorer Francis Drake completed a circumnavigation of the globe (1577-1580) and engaged in acts of piracy against Spanish ships, earning him both fame and notoriety. English, Dutch, and French explorers began establishing colonies and trading posts in North America, Africa, and Asia, challenging the Spanish and Portuguese dominance.

Overall, the Age of Discovery witnessed significant maritime exploration, colonization, and trade expansion. It transformed the world map, reshaped geopolitical dynamics, and had far-reaching consequences for the countries involved and the regions they encountered.