Christopher Columbus wanted to find new trade routes primarily because of the high demand for valuable goods such as spices, silk, and gold in Europe. During the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire controlled the land routes to Asia, making trade difficult and expensive for European merchants. Columbus believed that by discovering a new sea route to the Indies (modern-day Asia), he could bypass the Ottoman-controlled territories, establish direct trade with the East, and gain immense wealth and power for himself and the Catholic monarchs who sponsored his voyages. Additionally, Columbus was seeking to spread Christianity to new lands and expand the influence of the Catholic Church.
