The Age of Discovery

Lore & Background

Portuguese oceanic exploration began with maritime expeditions to the Macaronesian islands, including the Canary Islands, as well as Madeira and the Azores. It continued with voyages along the coast of West Africa in 1434, and culminated in the establishment of a sea route to India in 1498 by Vasco da Gama. Spain made the transatlantic voyages of Christopher Columbus (1492–1504), which marked the beginning of colonization in the Americas, the Magellan expedition (1519–1522), which opened a route from the Atlantic to the Pacific and completed the first circumnavigation of the globe.

Spain also undertook the conquest of Mexico (1519–1521), the conquest of Peru (1532–1533), and the Manila galleon trade route (1565–1815). European exploration initiated the Columbian exchange between the Old World and New World, involving the transfer of plants, animals, human populations (including slaves), communicable diseases, and culture.

Reader's Guide

It describes the historical period only.

Did You Know?

• The term 'age of discovery' has been scrutinized critically, with some scholars preferring 'Age of Reconnaissance' or 'Age of Contact'.
• The concept of 'discovery' has been used to enforce colonial claiming but has been challenged by Indigenous peoples and researchers.
• The Portuguese began systematically exploring the Atlantic coast of Africa in 1418 under Prince Henry the Navigator.