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Portugal's Exploration

Definition

Portugal's exploration refers to the pioneering maritime exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries, led by Portugal. This Age of Discovery opened up new trade routes and brought about Europe's contact with Africa, Asia, and America.

Analogy

Think of Portugal as a trailblazer skateboarder at a skate park. While everyone else is doing basic tricks on familiar ramps, Portugal decides to venture into unexplored parts of the park, discovering new ramps (trade routes) and pulling off impressive tricks (establishing colonies).

Related terms

Prince Henry the Navigator: A central figure in early Portuguese exploration who sponsored many voyages along the west coast of Africa.

Vasco da Gama: A Portuguese explorer who was first to sail directly from Europe to India around Cape of Good Hope at southern tip of Africa.

Treaty of Tordesillas: An agreement between Spain and Portugal in 1494 that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between them along a meridian line.