Europeans were eager to find a direct route to Asia to access the lucrative trade in spices, silks, and other luxury goods. The traditional overland routes were often dangerous and expensive, so finding an alternative route by sea became a primary objective.
2. Advances in Navigation and Shipbuilding:
The development of new navigational instruments, such as the astrolabe and compass, allowed European sailors to navigate more accurately on the open seas. Improvements in shipbuilding, including the use of larger ships with better sails and hulls, made long-distance voyages more feasible.