Final answer:
People embarked on perilous ocean journeys for reasons such as adventure, avoiding hazards on overland routes, migration for survival and opportunities, and the cost of travel.
Step-by-step explanation:
People would make perilous journeys across thousands of kilometers of ocean for various reasons. In some cases, individuals were lured by the adventure and the glory of exploring unknown places. For others, the alternative overland routes were more dangerous and costly due to factors such as pirates, shifting weather, poorly charted waters, and the risks involved in seaborne trade. Additionally, during certain periods of history, land empires became more stable, making overland routes more attractive. Migration for survival and better opportunities also played a role, with people facing perils like regional disputes, adverse weather conditions, illness, banditry, and the high cost of travel.