<P> The Age of Discovery or the Age of Exploration from the end of the 15th century to the 18th century , was an informal and loosely defined European historical period marking the time period in which extensive overseas exploration emerged as a powerful factor in European culture and the beginning of globalization . It also marks the rise of the period of widespread adoption in Europe of colonialism and mercantilism . Many lands previously unknown to Europeans were discovered during this period , though most were already inhabited . From the perspective of many non-Europeans , the Age of Discovery marked the arrival of invaders from previously unknown continents . </P>
spanish exploration in the americas increased greatly during the
The Age of Discovery or the Age of Exploration