Original: The Age of Discovery , also known as the Age of Exploration , was a period in history starting in the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th century during which Europeans engaged in intensive exploration of the world , establishing direct contacts with Africa , the Americas , Asia and Oceania and mapping the planet .
Simplified: The Age of Discovery or Age of Exploration was a period from the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th century , during which European ships traveled around the world to search for new trading routes and partners .