The opening of new trade routes and the expansion of global trade during the Age of Discovery in the 15th to 17th centuries.
Hello, friends! Have you ever wondered why 15th-century Europeans risked their lives to sail into the treacherous seas? Let's dive in and uncover the exciting secrets of the Age of Discovery!Back then, Europeans were crazy about pepper from India, which masked the gamey smell of meat. However, since the Ottoman Empire blocked land routes, trade by land became incredibly expensive!So, Europeans decided to find a route by sea! Fortunately, thanks to the compass introduced from China and the astrolabe, which measured the positions of the stars, they could navigate without getting lost even in the open ocean.Eventually, starting with Portugal and Spain, countless explorers discovered new sea routes! As a result, Asia, the Americas, and Europe were connected, giving rise to a truly 'global trade network.'The discovery of new routes completely changed what people ate around the world! Potatoes, corn, and tomatoes from the Americas made their way to Europe and Asia, while tea and sugar from Asia spread across the globe.More than just an adventure, the Age of Discovery laid the foundation for the globalized world we live in today. Now, what exciting historical journey awaits us next? See you next time!▶ Read interactively