Explorers: Motives/Challenges?

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What were the primary motives of explorers? I've come up with three things:

1. Spreading the word of God.
2. Expanding personal wealth and glory
3. The necessity for a sea route to China/India

Any others? Am I wrong in any of the above?

What were some of the challenges faced by explorers?

I've got:
1. Logistical concerns
2. Mutiny
3. Funding
4. Not knowing exactly where they're going (obviously)

Any others? Am I wrong in any of the above?

 

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Originally posted by Turkish Emperor
What were the primary motives of explorers? I've come up with three things:

1. Spreading the word of God.
2. Expanding personal wealth and glory
3. The necessity for a sea route to China/India

Any others? Am I wrong in any of the above?

What were some of the challenges faced by explorers?

I've got:
1. Logistical concerns
2. Mutiny
3. Funding
4. Not knowing exactly where they're going (obviously)

Any others? Am I wrong in any of the above?

If you mean the individuals who explored, then I would add: "Spreading the word of God" and the will of the King (or Queen). I guess the call of adventure, discovery and wonderful worlds (like those described in so many medieval books of "chivalery", L'Amadis des Gaules, for example, which Cortez had read...) could also be added.

As for challenges, I would also add "Relations with Natives..."

But if you meant the general motivations/causes for "explorations", then I guess we would have to include more complex answers (for instance, the end of the Reconquista, the opposition by North African States to expansion, the ever-growing demand for sugar, leading to the first "proto"-plantations in Cyprus, the Azores, etc..)

Regards,

Alexandre Dubé