Venice became rich mostly on the spice trade much earlier than this[1].
But it is true that demand for these spices drove exploration. But the 1600s was too early for colonialism in most areas where the spice trade was vibrant until another 150 years.
But it is true that demand for these spices drove exploration. But the 1600s was too early for colonialism in most areas where the spice trade was vibrant until another 150 years.
[1] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/spice-trade-pepper-ven...