Bartolomeu Dias was a Portuguese navigator in the 15th century and the first European to cross the Cape of Good Hope, in southern Africa.
Because he is of great importance to the history of Portugal, he is mentioned in the works of two Portuguese poets: Luiz de Camões and Fernando Pessoa.
Biography
Statue of Bartolomeu Dias, London
Bartolomeu Dias was born around 1450, possibly in the city of Mirandela, located in the Portuguese region of Trás-os-Montes. He studied Astronomy and Mathematics at the University of Lisbon.
He was squire of the Royal House, administrator of Armazém da Guiné, served in the fortress of São Jorge da Mina, and was a very experienced sailor and military man. His brother was also an important Portuguese navigator: Diogo Dias.
He got married and had two children. When he was Dom João II's squire, the king recommended him to take a trip in the caravels, in order to reach the East.
In 1500, he commanded one of the caravels of the fleet of Pedro Alvares Cabral, the conqueror who would discover the lands belonging to Brazil.
However, Bartolomeu Dias drowned as his caravel sank in southern Africa. He passed away on May 29, 1500.
Travel by Bartolomeu Dias
In 1486, King Dom João II appointed Bartolomeu Dias Captain Mor of a maritime fleet. There were two caravels and a support shuttle, which carried the supplies.
Thus, he left Lisbon in August 1487, in command of three ships.
The aim was to establish peaceful relations with Prestes John, an African Christian king. In addition, it aimed to discover the maritime routes to the Indies, facilitating the connection between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean.
Bartolomeu Dias Travel Route
In this undertaking, in 1488, he discovered and passed through the Cape of Good Hope (or Cape of Storms) bypassing the African continent, until reaching the Indian Ocean. Something that no European had ever done.
Fun Facts: Did You Know?
- The name “Cabo das Tormentas” was coined by Bartolomeu Dias since he faced several days of storms at sea, about two weeks ago.
- Dom João II, happy with the news that Portugal had found a sea route to the Indies, changed the name to “Cape of Good Hope”.
Read too:
- Formation of Portugal
- Portuguese Navigations
- European Maritime Expansion
- The First Great Navigations
