The "Age of Discoveries" was a period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century when European explorers set out to find new lands and trade routes. This era was marked by famous figures like Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan, who sailed across oceans and discovered new territories. Their journeys opened up the world, leading to the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas between Europe and the Americas, Africa, and Asia. During this time, advancements in navigation and shipbuilding, such as the use of the compass and the caravel, made long sea voyages possible. The discoveries made during this period not only expanded European empires but also had lasting impacts on indigenous populations and global trade.