The term that describes the period of European exploration and colonization of the Americas is the Age of Discovery. Spanning from the late 15th century into the 17th century, this era was marked by European navigators and explorers seeking new trade routes and territories. Figures like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan ventured into uncharted waters, leading to the establishment of overseas empires. The Age of Discovery greatly impacted global trade, cultural exchanges, and indigenous populations, resulting in significant demographic shifts and various conflicts that shaped modern history.