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History Activity 2
History Activity 2
The Portuguese Atlantic explorations, spanning over several decades from 1415 to 1488, were
driven by multifaceted motivations that reflected the complexity of the European mindset during
the Age of Exploration. In an era marked by economic ambitions and religious fervor, the quest
for new trade routes to Asia was a driving force. The Ottoman Empire's dominance over the Silk
Road, which linked Europe to the exotic treasures of the East, compelled European powers to
seek alternative avenues to access these valuable commodities. Moreover, as maritime
technologies improved, there was an eagerness to push the boundaries of known geography,
fueled by the spirit of discovery and the allure of prestige and wealth.