Bartolomeu Dias
Definition
Bartolomeu Dias was a Portuguese explorer who became the first European mariner to round the southern tip of Africa, opening the way for a sea route from Europe to Asia.
Analogy
Think of Bartolomeu Dias as an adventurous hiker who discovers a new trail. This trail (the sea route around Africa) is like a shortcut that allows other hikers (European explorers) to reach their destination (Asia) more quickly and safely.
Related terms
Age of Discovery: The period in history marking the time frame when Europeans began exploring the world by sea in search of new trading routes, wealth, and knowledge.
Vasco da Gama: A Portuguese explorer and the first European to reach India by sea, effectively linking Europe and Asia for trade purposes following Dias' initial discovery.
Cape of Good Hope: A rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of South Africa. It's significant because it represented a major milestone in European attempts to establish direct trade links with Asia.
"Bartolomeu Dias" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.