European Voyages Before the 15th and 16th Centuries: Key Explorations and Motivations
Before the 15th century, European exploration included Portuguese voyages to the Canary Islands around 1336. These maritime expeditions led to early trade routes connecting the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean. Important explorers like Christopher Columbus and John Cabot later contributed to geographic discoveries and trade routes. The Crusades intensified interest in expanding geographical knowledge. European … Read more