1. Advancements in maritime technology: The Portuguese invested heavily in developing new and improved ships, navigation tools, and sailing techniques. This included:
* The Caravel: A fast and maneuverable ship with lateen sails (triangular sails) that allowed them to sail against the wind.
* The Compass: This allowed them to navigate by using magnetic north, which was crucial for long voyages.
* The Astrolabe: This instrument was used to measure the altitude of the sun and stars, helping determine latitude.
2. A strong desire for trade: The Portuguese were motivated by the desire to find new trade routes to the East, bypassing the traditional land routes controlled by the Ottoman Empire. They sought spices, silk, and other luxury goods from Asia. They were also interested in expanding their influence and power.
These two factors, combined with the Portuguese spirit of adventure and exploration, propelled them to become the pioneers of European overseas exploration in the 15th century.