Search for wealth: The wealth and luxury goods in the East (India and China) were well known to Europeans from the trade routes dominated by the Ottoman Turks and the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt. To avoid these middlemen and secure direct access to Asian goods, Europeans sought alternative routes.
Ottoman conquest: The fall of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 disrupted the trade routes between Europe and Asia further motivating Europeans to find alternative routes to the East.
Advancements in Navigation: The late Middle Ages saw significant progress in navigation techniques and technology, such as improved compasses, astrolabes, and the lateen sail. These advancements made it possible to sail in the open seas, expanding the potential for exploration.
Desire to spread Christianity: The spread of Christianity became a significant motivation for European exploration, with many voyages accompanied by religious zeal and a desire to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity.