Europeans began exploring new trade routes and lands in the 15th century for several reasons: 1) Traditional trade routes to Asia were blocked by the Ottoman Empire in 1453, cutting off valuable goods like spices and silk and motivating Europe to find new routes. 2) New technologies like the compass, astrolabe, gunpowder and caravel ships enabled long voyages of exploration. 3) Explorers could gain fame, fortune and land by leading expeditions funded by European monarchs, helping spread Christianity and commerce.