1. Fall of Constantinople: The trade route between the. East and the West was through Constantinople and when in 1453 A.D. the Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople, they closed the land route to the East and also indulged in looting the merchants. As the Europeans depended entirely upon the East for the supply of spices and other luxury goods, it necessitated them to discover a new trade route, possibly through the Sea.

2. The travelers’ accounts or romantic writings: The accounts of travellers who Ventured into the East, aroused the curiosity of the Europeans. Italian travellers like Nicola Polo and Marco Polo (1254-1324A.D) were successful in reaching China. Marco polo wrote a vivid account of his travels to Mongolia, India, and China. Friar John of Plano Carpini, a Franciscan Monk reached Mongolia and had written about the Mongols in the thirteenth century. William Bubruquis and others in their accounts have narrated their thrilling experiences. Since then, the curiosity and spirit of adventure enabled the Europeans to reach far off lands not only by land but also by sea.

3. Demand for commodities: There was a great demand in Europe for Asian commodities like spicespepper, ginger, clove, cardamom, etc. Muslin, Silk, Pearls, Ivory and Precious stones were also in demand. It was a lucrative trade. Europeans were eager to improve, their standard of living by earning more. This was possible by enlarging commercial contacts with the Eastern countries. The discovery of new lands and sea routes opened them avenues for earning huge profits. Many adventurous sailors and traders too risked their lives to fulfill their ambitions.

4. Geographical knowledge: This also led to the discovery of new sea routes and lands. In the 14^th century, travellers and sailors had the advantage of access to several books on travel, like ‘A merchant’s Handbook’ by Francesco Balducci, ‘Secrets of the faithful crusader’ by Marino Sanudo. Myths like the earth being flat, seas filled with terrible monsters, the tropical portion of Africa being blazing hot and surrounded by boiling water, etc., were proved false with the new knowledge on Geography. This made people less wary of travelling to these new places.

5. Spread of Christianity: Kings, Nobles, and Missionaries were very enthusiastic to spread Christianity in the new lands. Hence the Kings of Spain and Portugal encouraged explorations and the Missionaries took up the cause to spread Christianity.

6. Efforts of Prince Henry : The training school of navigation started by Prince Henry of Portugal gave the necessary training to sailors, geographers, map makers, and shipbuilders.

7. Other causes: The invention of the printing press, mariner’s compass, new maps, and Establishment of Banks and Joint Stock Companies also encouraged the navigators. Patronage by Kings also went far in the field of geographical discoveries.