Which was a primary motivation for European exploration during the Age of Exploration?

During the Age of Exploration, one of the primary motivations for European exploration was to find alternative trade routes to Asia. European powers sought new trade routes primarily to access the lucrative spice trade and other valuable commodities, such as silk and precious metals, which were abundant in Asia. The overland routes to Asia were long and dangerous, often dominated by Middle Eastern intermediaries, which increased costs and limited direct trade for European countries.

As a response to these challenges, explorers sought maritime routes that would allow for more direct access to these goods, thereby increasing profits for European nations. This led to significant efforts to explore the coastlines of Africa and eventually venture into the Americas, as navigators and monarchs aimed to establish a faster, safer way to connect with Asian markets.

While other motivations, such as the desire to spread Christianity and territorial expansion, were also present, the search for alternative trade routes to Asia was the driving force behind many exploration initiatives. This quest fundamentally altered global trade dynamics and initiated an era of colonialism that would have lasting effects on world history.