Importance of the Renaissance Period for European Overseas Exploration The purpose of this essay is to explain why the Renaissance must have occurred in order for Europe to begin overseas exploration. During the Renaissance, many new ideas formed, and many old ideas were reborn. Some of these ideas that affected overseas exploration for Europe are technological advancements in cartography, printing, and navigational devices for ships. The word Renaissance means “rebirth of knowledge”. during the Renaissance, many Arabic thoughts were reborn, such as mat