The land route that traders had to take was known as the "Silk Road." While England, Spain and Portugal were some of the most enthusiastic sponsors of early exploration, some of the most famed explorers like Christopher Columbus came from Italian cities like Genoa, which had long sent ships off to make trading expeditions. read more
A new route to India would be profitable for whoever found it. This is why Columbus was searching for such a route. Trading with the Indies was very lucrative because the islands had spices. read more