Dutch maritime history is marked by the rise of the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century, which became the world's first multinational corporation. This period, known as the Dutch Golden Age, saw the Netherlands dominate global trade, with its powerful fleet of ships exploring and establishing trade routes in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The Dutch were also pioneers in shipbuilding and navigation, developing advanced techniques and vessels like the fluyt. Their maritime prowess contributed to significant cultural exchanges and the establishment of colonies, shaping the economic and political landscape of the time.