Vasco da Gama

Frank, ReOrient, Chapter 2, The Global Trade Carousel 1400-1800:

"The world economy was predominantly Asian-based and so were the economic
enterprise and success of Venice and Genoa, both of which derived their wealth
from their intermediary position between the riches of Asia and the demand for the same in Europe... The reasons for the voyages of Columbus in 1492 and of
Vasco da Gama in 1498 have been long debated. These event were not accidental. After all, Columbus "discovered" America because he went in search of markets and gold in East Asia. That happened when a growing bullion shortage and the consequent rise in the Afro-Eurasian world market price of gold made such an enterprise attractive and potentially profitable (which it turned out to be)."