What problem did Europeans face in the 1400s which made getting spices more difficult?

In the 1400s, Europeans faced significant challenges in obtaining spices due to the dominance of the Ottoman Empire, which controlled key trade routes to Asia. The Ottomans imposed high taxes and tariffs on goods, making spices expensive and less accessible. Additionally, European nations were eager to find alternative routes to bypass Ottoman control, which spurred exploration and the eventual search for sea routes to Asia. This quest ultimately led to significant maritime expeditions, including those by figures like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama.