Why hadnt Europeans used maritime routes before the age of exploratiom?

Before the Age of Exploration, Europeans primarily relied on overland trade routes due to several factors, including the dominance of the Mediterranean and the lack of navigational technology. Maritime navigation was limited by insufficient understanding of wind patterns, sea currents, and shipbuilding techniques. Additionally, political and economic structures favored land-based trade, while the fear of the unknown and potential dangers at sea deterred exploration. It wasn't until advancements in navigation, ship design, and a growing demand for spices and other goods that Europeans began to explore maritime routes extensively.