Wanderlust World Wanderlust World During the Age of Discovery (15th–17th centuries), Spain and Portugal led global exploration, dividing the world through treaties like Tordesillas. Their reach spanned three continents:
Spain conquered vast territories in Mexico, Peru, and much of Central and South America. Portugal claimed Brazil. They established colonial administrations, extracted resources, and spread Christianity.
Portugal pioneered the sea route around Africa, establishing trading posts and colonies in Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Spain held smaller territories like Equatorial Guinea and the Canary Islands.
Portugal dominated the Indian Ocean trade, securing bases in Goa (India), Malacca (Malaysia), Macau (China), and Timor. Spain colonized the Philippines via the Pacific route from Mexico.
This exploration created the first truly global empires, linking continents through trade, conquest, and cultural exchange—often with devastating consequences for indigenous populations.