Columbian Exchange: The widespread exchange of goods, ideas, diseases, and people between the Old World (Europe, Africa, Asia) and the New World (the Americas) following Christopher Columbus' voyages.
Commercial Revolution: A period of economic transformation during which trade expanded dramatically due to advancements in navigation techniques and new business practices.
Gunpowder Empires: Powerful empires such as the Ottomans, Safavids, and Mughals that emerged during this era and made extensive use of gunpowder weapons for military dominance.