The Age of Discovery was a period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century when European powers explored and mapped the world. This era was marked by significant maritime exploration, driven by the desire for new trade routes, wealth, and territorial expansion. Notable explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Vasco da Gama played crucial roles in discovering new lands and connecting different cultures. During this time, European nations, including Spain and Portugal, established colonies and trade networks across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The Age of Discovery led to the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies, but it also resulted in the exploitation and colonization of indigenous populations, shaping the modern world in profound ways.