What were the main motives for European voyages of exploration?

The primary motives for European voyages of exploration during the Age of Discovery were indeed driven by the desire to grow wealthy and spread Christianity. European nations sought new routes to access the lucrative trade in spices, silk, and other valuable goods from Asia. Consequently, the pursuit of wealth was a major catalyst behind these explorations.

Simultaneously, there was a strong religious component as well. The spread of Christianity was seen as an essential mission for many explorers, often endorsed by their home countries and the Church. Missionaries accompanied explorers to convert indigenous populations, further intertwining the motives of wealth and faith.

While establishing trade relations with Asia and colonizing lands were significant aspects of exploration, they are better seen as part of the broader goals of wealth accumulation and the spread of religious influence. The desire to claim new territories and resources naturally accompanied these explorative efforts, but the overarching aims focused on economic gain and religious dissemination were the driving forces behind these historical voyages.