During the Middle Ages, maritime trade flourished in Europe and Asia, primarily due to merchant ships from city-states like Venice and Genoa. The Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries saw significant technological advancements in navigation, enabling European nations such as Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands

and England to embark on long voyages around the world, discover new continents, and establish new international trade routes. The discovery of America and the sea route to India via the Cape of Good Hope were major milestones of this era.