The document provides an overview of the history of the Portuguese and Spanish Empires from their origins to their decline. It discusses how Portugal rose to become a global power during the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries as they explored the coasts of Africa, Asia, and Brazil. Spain likewise grew powerful under the Habsburg dynasty in the 16th century, controlling territories in Europe and colonies in the Americas, though both empires began declining by the 17th century as they lost territories to other European powers like Britain and the Netherlands.