Why were new trade routes needed in the fifteenth century?

In the fifteenth century, new trade routes were needed primarily due to the growing demand for spices, silk, and other luxury goods in Europe, coupled with the desire to bypass intermediaries like the Ottoman Empire and Italian city-states that controlled traditional land routes. Additionally, the fall of Constantinople in 1453 disrupted existing trade routes, prompting European powers to seek direct access to Asian markets. The Age of Exploration, driven by advancements in navigation and shipbuilding, further fueled the quest for new maritime routes to enhance trade and expand territorial claims.