Europeans began exploring the seas in the 15th century motivated by wealth, spreading Christianity, and learning about new lands. Portugal led the way, mapping the African coast and opening a sea route to Asia when Bartholomeu Dias rounded the southern tip of Africa. Vasco da Gama then reached India, establishing a vast trading empire. Christopher Columbus, financed by Spain, sailed west hoping to find a route to Asia but instead discovered new lands in the Caribbean that he mistakenly called the Indies.