The Portuguese discoveries are considered some of the most important in history. They began after the conquest of Ceuta in Africa in 1415 and ended in 1543, more than a century!
The discoveries led to Portugal’s expansion. They played a key role in shaping the world map, driven by the Reconquest and the search for alternatives to the Mediterranean trade routes.
With them, the Portuguese launched the era of European discovery, which lasted from the 15th to the 17th century. They were responsible for significant advances in nautical science and technology, cartography and astronomy and developed the first ships capable of sailing safely in the Atlantic.
Who was responsible for the Portuguese discoveries?
The Infante D. Henrique is very often the reference when we think of Portuguese discoveries. Son of King João I and Filipa de Lencastre, he was born in the city of Porto on March 4, 1394, and died on November 13, 1460.
He remains known as the Navigator, a name that derives from the way he launched and supervised the first expansionist voyages, becoming forever linked to this glorious period of Portuguese history.
But why were the discoveries important?
The Portuguese were responsible for many inventions that immensely helped maritime exploration. They were the originators of the caravels, large wooden boats capable of carrying hundreds of men and tons of goods. They had one or more large, high sails, usually rectangular, which allowed them to reach high speeds while being very safe on voyages on international seas.
One of the most emblematic symbols is the armillary sphere, an object representing a model of the universe, made up of rings or armillaries representing locations on the celestial sphere. This object was used by astronomers to describe the night sky and the locations on the globe, especially during the great discoveries. This sphere is so symbolic that it is present on the Portuguese flag.
Many monuments were also built to commemorate this critical period in Portuguese history.
The most famous is undoubtedly the monument to the Discoveries – O Padrão dos Descobrimentos – created to celebrate the Era of the Discoveries in Lisbon. The work represents a caravel led by the figure of Prince Henry the Navigator, followed by 32 historical figures who all contributed to this era.
What did the Portuguese navigators discover?
The initial movement of discoveries led the Portuguese navigators to travel along the entire west coast of Africa, contacting the respective populations and establishing trading posts and other support points for intercontinental trade, for example, in Guinea, Cape Verde and many others.
However, it was the strategic entry into the Indian Ocean at the close of the 15th century that truly marked a turning point. Bartolomeu Dias’ successful passage of the Cape of Good Hope in 1487-1488 and Vasco da Gama’s subsequent voyage to India in 1498 were both voyages of discovery and diplomatic ventures with clear political and commercial objectives. These expeditions expanded horizons, paving the way for Portuguese influence and domination in a vast world that extended from the coast of Mozambique to Japan.
Shortly after Vasco da Gama’s return, an armada found or discovered the coast of Brazil (Easter, 1500), giving a greater dimension of grandeur to an empire that, from then on, extended over three continents.
What does June 10 represent?
Os Lusíadas, Portugal’s epic poem, was written by the country’s poet laureate, Luis de Camões. It recounts the voyage of Vasco da Gama, the great Portuguese explorer, to India and the adventures of the Portuguese since the nation’s founding.
After his death on June 10 1580, this day was transformed into a bank holiday: Portugal Day, to pay tribute to him and to celebrate Portuguese achievements and progress, as well as the people.
And so, the Portuguese Discoveries will always be remembered as a symbol of a great people and a prosperous era.
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