The primary motivation behind European exploration during the Age of Discovery was the pursuit of new trade routes and wealth. European powers sought direct access to Asian markets, particularly for spices, silk, and precious metals, as overland routes were lengthy and controlled by intermediaries. The discovery of the Americas also opened new opportunities for territorial expansion, resource extraction, and wealth accumulation. Additionally, the quest for spreading Christianity fueled exploration, as European nations aimed to evangelize indigenous populations. This era of exploration significantly reshaped global trade networks, cultural exchanges, and laid the foundations for colonial empires.