How did the capture of Constantinople led explorations of the 1400s?

Answer 1

The capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire in 1453 marked the end of Christian Byzantine rule and prompted Europeans to seek new trade routes to Asia, as traditional overland pathways were now controlled by the Ottomans. This shift spurred maritime exploration, as nations like Portugal and Spain aimed to find alternative routes to access valuable spices and goods. The desire to bypass Ottoman intermediaries ultimately led to significant voyages, including those of Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama, expanding European exploration and colonial ambitions.