Reasons for ExplorationBefore the age of exploration, Europeans knew little about the outside world. It was wrongly believed that the Earth was flat and limited. Likewise, according to the Bible, people believed that the earth was made up of 7/8 dirt. From this belief, it was thought that any travel around Africa to India would be impossible, as it was suggested that the landmass would obstruct any ship. Furthermore, the existence of the Americas or Australia was unknown. However, it was these misconceptions that inspired explorers like Columbus to sail west to go east. Nevertheless, exploration in the 15th century was fueled by a combination of factors. The first of these factors was the change in European views and perspectives. The growth of cities and commerce in the last century stimulated the desire for foreign goods. As a second effect, it exposed Europeans to foreign culture, thereby sparking an interest in the outside world. The growth of cities and the increase in trade were accompanied by the radical ideas of the Renaissance. Secular topics w...