Age of Discovery
Age of Discovery
The Age of Discovery, also known as the Age of Exploration, refers to a period in history from the 15th to the 17th century during which Europeans explored the world by sea. This period is characterized by intensive exploration, discovery, and colonization of new territories.
Pronunciation
- /ˌeɪdʒ əv dɪˈskʌvəri/
Etymology
The term "Age of Discovery" is derived from the extensive overseas exploration that was carried out during this period. The word "age" comes from the Old French aage, which is itself from the Latin aetas, meaning "age" or "lifetime". "Discovery" comes from the Old French descovrir, which means "to reveal" or "uncover".
Related Terms
Overview
The Age of Discovery began in the early 15th century and continued into the 17th century. This period saw unprecedented exploration of the world by European seafarers. The primary motivations for these explorations were the desire for new trade routes, the spread of Christianity, and the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
The Age of Discovery is associated with several significant events and developments. These include the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492, the first circumnavigation of the globe by Ferdinand Magellan's expedition in 1522, and the establishment of direct sea routes from Europe to Asia.
The Age of Discovery had profound effects on the world. It led to the establishment of European colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, the spread of Christianity and European languages, and the exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases between the Old World and the New World.
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