What images spring to mind when you hear the phrase age of exploration?

The phrase "age of exploration" evokes vivid images of tall sailing ships navigating uncharted waters, explorers like Columbus and Magellan mapping new territories, and vibrant encounters between diverse cultures. I envision the excitement of discovery, with adventurers braving the unknown, encountering exotic lands, and charting the stars. Additionally, there are scenes of bustling ports filled with spices, treasures, and stories of far-off lands, symbolizing the thirst for knowledge and adventure that defined this era.