Why did the Europeans sail to Asia?

Answer 1

In ancient times, the only commercial links between Europe and Asia were slow, difficult overland routes called the Silk Road, over which silk and spices made their way to European markets. Following the Middle Ages, growing European civilizations sought sea routes to the east (India, China) and eventually found them by going around the horn of Africa, which was perilous because of stormy weather. The Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama first made the journey in 1498, six years after Columbus' westward attempt began Spanish conquests in the Americas.