The Age of Empires, a period marked by conquest and colonization, spans several centuries and had a profound impact on global history. From the late 15th century through the early 20th century, European powers embarked on ambitious campaigns of territorial expansion, driven by the pursuit of wealth, resources, and political dominance. This era saw the rise and fall of vast empires, each of which left an indelible mark on the world. The motivations behind empire-building were multifaceted, rooted in the quest for economic gain, military supremacy, and the spread of cultural, religious, and political ideologies.

The Age of Empires can trace its origins to the Renaissance, a period of intellectual and cultural awakening in Europe. The revival of classical learning, coupled with advancements in navigation, shipbuilding, and cartography, laid the groundwork for the age of exploration. This era saw European nations eager to find new trade routes and territories, driven by the promise of wealth from spices, silks, and other exotic goods. The expansion of European power also coincided with a period of intense competition among European states, each vying to claim territories and secure dominance over lucrative trade routes.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus' famous voyage to the New World marked the beginning of a new era in exploration and conquest. Columbus' journey, sponsored by Spain, led to the discovery of the Americas, setting off a wave of Spanish, Portuguese, British, French, and Dutch exploration and colonization. Spain and Portugal were the earliest and most successful empires in this period, establishing colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The Spanish empire, in particular, amassed incredible wealth through the exploitation of native populations and the vast resources found in the Americas, including precious metals like gold and silver.