The Portuguese came to India in search of spices. Spices, such as pepper, cinnamon, and cloves, were highly sought after in Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. The Portuguese hoped to establish direct trade routes with India in order to bypass the Arab and Venetian middlemen who controlled the spice trade at the time. By gaining control over the spice trade, the Portuguese could secure a valuable commodity and reap substantial profits. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama successfully reached India in 1498 and opened the doors for Portuguese trade and colonization in the region. The desire for spices was a major factor that motivated the Portuguese, and other European powers, to explore and establish colonies in Asia.