The Age of Exploration was initiated by the quest for new trade routes and resources, spurred by events such as the fall of Constantinople in 1453, which disrupted traditional trade pathways to the East. Maritime nations, particularly Portugal and Spain, sought new routes to Asia for spices and other valuable goods, leading to significant investments in navigation and shipbuilding. The voyages of explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama in the late 15th century opened up new lands and opportunities for European powers. This era not only expanded geographical knowledge but also initiated contact with diverse cultures, ultimately transforming global trade and colonial dynamics.