In the Middle Ages and, more importantly, in the Renaissance, European scholars explored many kinds of geographic studies. Advances in astronomy and map-making, as well as new understanding of the spatial relations of the universe and the earth, helped to foster curiosity about what might lie beyond Europe and the then-known world of the Middle East (Rice and Grafton, 26). Improvement in navigation tools and systems made possible longer voyages, and in combination with territorial rivalries and the desire of Renaissance monarchs to expand their holdings. Ptolemy's Geography, for example, was a major source of new geographic knowledge that inspired explorers to learn more about the world. Voyages of discovery were inspired by readings of classical Greek and Arabic treatises on geography, many of which were "rediscovered" by scholars in the Renaissance (Rice and Grafton, 21). Additionally, practical men began to comb the literature of geography for information and hints of potentially profitable adventures (Rice and Grafton, 29). Motivated by the desire for new knowledge and experience, a quest for new territories and access to new resources sand sources of wealth, and the impetus to bring the Christina faith to "savages" all combined to foster what would become a rush to explore and then conquer and occupy the territories of the Americas.
Rice, Eugene F., and Grafton, Anthony. The Foundations of
Early Modern Europe, 1460 รป 1559. New York: W.W. Norton.
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