Explorers From Portugal

Bartolomeu Dias

         Portugal funded Bartolomeu Dias’ trip. Dias set sail in 1488. On the voyage, he reached the Southern tip of Africa. The Southern-most tip of Africa was called Cape of Good Hope. He also discovered a new way to travel from Portugal to Asia. As a result of this discovery, Portugal’s trade networks were greatly increased. 

Vasco da Gama

         Portugal financed Vasco da Gama’s trip across the Indian Ocean. In 1497, he set sail, and rounded the tip of Africa. While sailing across the Indian Ocean, he landed on India’s coast. He also was the first explorer to find the Western Route to Asia. 

Pedro Alvares Cabral

          Pedro Alvares Cabral’s voyage was financed by Portugal. In 1500, he led 13 ships to India. He fought war against the Muslim merchants in the Indian Ocean. After defeating them, they set up trading posts in India, China, Japan, the Persian Gulf, and Moluccas, the spice islands of southeast Asia. From these bases, they controlled most of Southern Asia’s sea trade.

Henry the Navigator 

          Portugal financed the voyage of Henry the Navigator. In 1418, he started the “School of Navigation.” Later, the same year, he started to explore west Africa. His voyage led to the rounding of Africa and the establishment of sea routes to India. Portugal sent him on the journey to make much-needed maps of the West African coast to defeat the Muslims and to spread Christianity.