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## Receiving state patronage for explorations When going in search of countries in various parts of the world, a large amount of money had to be spent on long voyages that took several months to complete and such voyages also involved certain risks. Further, it was uncertain that profits could be g...

## Receiving state patronage for explorations When going in search of countries in various parts of the world, a large amount of money had to be spent on long voyages that took several months to complete and such voyages also involved certain risks. Further, it was uncertain that profits could be gained through such voyages. Because of such reasons, individuals did not have the capacity to spend money that was required for explorations. However, several emerging national governments in Europe gave their patronage for explorations and it resulted in a progress of such activities. Portugal, Spain and England are examples for countries which gave patronage for explorations. ## Religious intentions of the Europeans The Europeans expected through explorations to gain for themselves the trade dominance that the Muslims had already established in Asia and also to spread Christianity in countries that they newly discovered. Vasco da Gama, after arriving in India, is said to have stated, "We have come here in search of Christians and spices". The economic and religious intentions the Europeans had in carrying out explorations are evident from this statement, too. Some Europeans believed a myth about a Christian state in the East under the leadership of a ruler named Prester John. Therefore they had the hope of finding that ruler in order to get his support to spread Christianity. ## The leading countries that were involved in explorations ### Portugal Portugal, the motherland of the Portuguese, is situated in the Iberian Peninsula. Therefore, the Portuguese had to handle their relationships with foreign countries through sea routes. Further, the Portuguese naturally were good navigators. Therefore they had been keen on explorations even before the conquest of Constantinople by Turks.