- Renewed interest in classical learning and exploration.
- Humanists emphasized the importance of human potential and worldly knowledge.
- Curiosity about distant lands and unknown territories.
2. Advances in Navigation:
- Development of the astrolabe, compass, and quadrant improved accuracy at sea.
- Sailors could determine latitude and longitude, enabling longer voyages.
- Portuguese exploration along the west coast of Africa showed new routes to Asia.
3. Economic Factors:
- Desire for wealth and resources (spices, gold, and other valuable goods) from the East.
- Decline of the Byzantine Empire created a need for new trade routes to Asia.
4. Religious Motives:
- Spread of Christianity: Many explorers sought to convert non-Christians to Catholicism.
- Portuguese and Spanish monarchs were driven by religious zeal to expand their empires.
5. Political Competition:
- Rivalry between European nations led to a race for exploration and colonization.
- Desire for power, prestige, and control over new territories and trade routes.
6. Technological Innovations:
- Development of the carrack: A more efficient and seaworthy sailing vessel.
- Better shipbuilding techniques allowed for longer and more reliable voyages.
7. Increased Demand for Luxury Goods:
- Growing demand for spices, silk, and other luxury goods from Asia.
- Spices were valued for preserving food, medicinal purposes, and their symbolic significance.
8. Patronage of Exploration:
- Support from wealthy patrons and monarchs, including Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal.
- Explorers received funding and resources to undertake ambitious expeditions.
9. Search for a Direct Route to Asia:
- Attempts to find a direct sea route to Asia that bypassed the Ottoman-controlled Middle East.
- Christopher Columbus's voyage to America was initially driven by this goal.
10. Expansionist Ambitions:
- European powers saw overseas territories as a way to expand their empires and increase their power.