The growth of maritime and overland routes led to decreased interest in inventions and technolgy.
Two crucial trade routes for Europeans seeking access to the Far East were the Silk Road and the maritime route around the Cape of Good Hope. The Silk Road facilitated overland trade, connecting Europe to Asia through a network of caravan routes that transported silk, spices, and other valuable goods. Meanwhile, the maritime route, particularly after Vasco da Gama's voyage in 1498, allowed for direct sea access to India and beyond, significantly enhancing trade efficiency and opening new markets for European powers.
APEX: The invention of the compass allowed for new maritime trade routes.
to more stuff for the europeans
Europeans first embark on exploration to the East as they looked for trade routes
Asia.
Europeans learned about the astrolabe, an ancient instrument used for navigation and astronomy, from the Islamic world during the Middle Ages. They adopted and improved upon the design, using it to navigate maritime routes and determine the position of celestial objects. This invention greatly enhanced their ability to navigate the seas and explore new territories.
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The history that most Europeans have of early Asian exploration is extremely limited. There is strong evidence that they did as much (and possibly more) exploration as Europeans have done over the same period of time. The sea routes though for Europeans would be different then we would expect most Asian groups to have done.
.... avoid expensive middlemen.
New trade routes to Asia
forts