The "Age of Sail" refers to a historical period from the 16th to the mid-19th century when sailing ships dominated international trade and naval warfare. This era saw the rise of powerful maritime nations, such as Britain, Spain, and France, which expanded their empires through exploration and colonization. Advances in ship design and navigation techniques allowed for longer voyages and more efficient trade routes. During the Age of Sail, significant events included the Age of Exploration, where explorers like Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan charted new territories. The period also witnessed the development of naval battles, with famous conflicts like the Battle of Trafalgar shaping naval power dynamics.