The age of exploration from the 15th to 17th centuries was an important period where European powers greatly expanded their knowledge of the world through extensive exploration and colonization. Key events included early Portuguese expeditions along the coast of Africa and later voyages across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans led by major figures like Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Vasco da Gama. These explorers mapped unknown regions, sought trade routes to India and the East Indies, and established European colonies in newly discovered lands.