During the 16th century, Spain and Portugal explored
the world's seas and opened world-wide oceanic trade
routes.
• Philip II of Spain, Dom Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand
Magellan, Christopher Columbus
• the continuing expansion of international commerce
and the consequent rise of new exchange centres.
• the island world - proliferation of trading centres-
growing world demand for the region's products.
• the expanding market for fine spices encouraged
Javanese, Malay and Chinese traders to deal directly
with sources of supply in the eastern islands.