The empire known for its advanced maritime exploration was the Portuguese Empire. During the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal established trade routes to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan played significant roles in navigating new territories and expanding European knowledge of the world. The Portuguese focused on establishing trading posts and colonies that laid the groundwork for the global exchange of goods and cultures.