During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portuguese exploration played a crucial role in the Age of Discovery. Driven by the desire for new trade routes and resources, explorers like Prince Henry the Navigator sponsored voyages along the West African coast, leading to the discovery of new lands and sea routes. The Portuguese established a vast maritime empire, reaching as far as Brazil, India, and Southeast Asia. They created trading posts and colonies, significantly impacting global trade and cultural exchanges. This era laid the groundwork for future exploration by other European powers, shaping the world as we know it today.