Why did the fifteenth-century Europeans wanted to find a sea passage to East Asia?

Fifteenth-century Europeans sought a sea passage to East Asia primarily to access the lucrative spice trade, which was dominated by Asian countries and highly sought after in Europe for its culinary and preservative properties. Additionally, they aimed to bypass the overland trade routes controlled by Middle Eastern intermediaries, reducing costs and increasing profits. The desire for direct trade links also stemmed from a growing interest in Asian luxury goods such as silk and precious stones, as well as the broader goals of exploration and expansion during the Age of Discovery.