The ‘Great Discoveries’of the late fifteenth century

The late fifteenth century witnessed a series of remarkable discoveries that had a profound impact on the world. These expeditions, commonly referred to as the “Great Discoveries,” were led by renowned explorers such as Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan. In 1492, Columbus ventured across the Atlantic and reached the Americas, challenging prevailing beliefs about the Earth’s shape. Da Gama, in 1498, successfully navigated around the Cape of Good Hope, establishing a direct sea route from Europe to Asia by reaching India. Magellan’s expedition, which spanned from 1519 to 1522, achieved the first circumnavigation of the globe. These bold explorations revolutionized global trade, colonization, and cultural exchange, heralding the dawn of the Age of Exploration and leaving an indelible mark on the course of history.