maadeavastajad
Maadeavastajad were individuals, primarily from Europe, who embarked on voyages of exploration during the late medieval and early modern periods. These voyages, often driven by a complex mix of economic, political, and religious motives, significantly expanded the known world and reshaped global understanding. Economically, the desire for new trade routes to Asia, particularly for spices and silks, was a major catalyst. Technological advancements in shipbuilding and navigation, such as the astrolabe and improved cartography, made longer and more ambitious journeys feasible.
Politically, European powers sought to expand their influence, claim new territories, and establish colonial empires. Religious