European exploration between 1400-1700 CE was driven by several key factors: the questioning spirit of the Renaissance; the search for a better trade route to Asia to access spices at cheaper prices by cutting out Muslim and Italian middlemen; the desire of Christian missionaries to spread Christianity; and technological improvements like Guttenberg's printing press and advances in navigation that enabled more ambitious voyages.

4. Land routes of the Silk Road Sea routes of the Silk Road

9. Monsoons - Summer Monsoons - Winter