The Age of Exploration started in the 15th century due to isolation and the desire to trade with other countries around the world. This age was born from Italy's power during the Renaissance. This was a time of the rebirth of classical thought and art. There was a loss of the Catholic Church's power, redistributing wealth to citizens. Italy controlled trade because they were the main location of the Renaissance. They were located on the Mediterranean Sea, making them the closest European country to China. Italy also had a monopoly over most countries in Asia. Spain and Portugal did not have wealth because they were not trading, so they decided to find new places to trade with. The Age of Exploration led to finding new continents and discovering new goods and concepts to the populated areas.