The Age of Discovery, or the Age of Exploration (approximately from the beginning of the 15th century until the end of the 18 century, is an informal and loosely defined term for the period in European history in which extensive overseas exploration emerged as a powerful factor in European Culture and was the beginning of globalization. It also marks the rise of the period of widespread adoption in Europe of colonialism and mercantilisms national policies. Many lands previously unknown to Europeans were discovered by them during this period, though most were already inhabited. From the perspective of many non-Europeans, the Age of Discovery marked the arrival of invaders from previously unknown continents.

During the first half of the 15th century, the Portuguese were encouraged by Prince Henry the Navigator to explore the coasts of Africa.

In 1492 Christopher Columbus sailed further west into the Atlantic Ocean and discovered islands that he thought were close to Asia. A few years later, Vasco de Gama reached India by sailing around Southern Africa.

In 1522, one of the ships in Magellan’s fleet returned to Europe and brought proof that it was possible to circumnavigate the Earth.

In a few decades, the way that Europeans saw the world had been completely transformed.