Portuguese Exploration

In the 1400s and 1500s, Portugal was one of the most important exploring countries in the world. Portuguese sailors were the first Europeans to sail around Africa to reach India. They also explored the coasts of Brazil and Africa. Portugal helped start the great Age of Discovery.

Prince Henry the Navigator

Prince Henry of Portugal loved exploration even though he rarely sailed himself. He set up a school for sailors and mapmakers. He paid for many voyages along the coast of Africa. His support helped Portugal become a leader in exploration. He is often called Henry the Navigator.

Great Portuguese Voyages

In 1488, Bartolomeu Dias sailed around the southern tip of Africa. Then in 1498, Vasco da Gama sailed all the way to India. Pedro Alvares Cabral reached Brazil in 1500. These voyages opened up new trade routes and changed the world. Portugal built trading posts all across Africa and Asia.

Fun Facts

• Vasco da Gama's trip to India took about 10 months.
• Portuguese sailors invented a new type of ship called a caravel that was fast and easy to steer.
• Portugal once controlled trading posts from Brazil to Japan.

Did You Know?

The Portuguese language is spoken in countries on five different continents today because of Portugal's exploration history.