The Age of Discovery transformed Portugal into a maritime power whose nautical knowledge had a profound impact on world history. This text examines the technical and scientific advances — navigational instruments, charts, route maps, cosmographers and types of vessels — that made it possible to cross oceans and explore new […]
The Portuguese in North America The Portuguese presence in North America dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, a period marked by intense maritime exploration. Motivated by the search for new trade routes and the desire to expand geographical knowledge, Portuguese navigators were pioneers in various areas of the […]
The discovery of the sea route to India was a decisive milestone in the age of great navigation. At the end of the 15th century, the search for direct trade routes to the rich eastern lands became a priority for European powers, especially Portugal. Driven by the growing demand for […]
The exploration of the west coast of Africa was a milestone in Portuguese maritime expansion in the 15th and 16th centuries, driven by economic, strategic and scientific motivations. The initiative of Prince Henry and the expeditions of navigators such as Gil Eanes, Diogo Cão and Bartolomeu Dias opened up new […]
The Atlantic islands — Madeira, Porto Santo, the Azores and Cape Verde — played a central role in the early days of Portuguese maritime expansion. This text presents their discovery, the model of exploration adopted, the economic activities implemented and the demographic consequences that led to emigration to the mainland […]
Infante Dom Henrique, known as the ‘Navigator,’ was a central figure in the early days of Portuguese discoveries: born in 1394, he participated in the expedition to Ceuta and, as Master of the Order of Christ and 1st Duke of Viseu, founded a centre for nautical studies in the region […]
Navigation before the discoveries was a crucial period in maritime history, marked by innovations and adaptations that paved the way for the great explorations of the 15th century. During this time, Portuguese navigators began to improve their navigation techniques, developing more agile and resistant vessels, such as caravels, which became […]
Portugal’s first naval operations marked the beginning of the systematic use of the navy as a military and political instrument. Since the time of Afonso Henriques, ships and coastal pilots began to play a decisive role in combat, sieges of cities and protection of routes, supporting both offensive actions and […]
Portugal’s Maritime Expansion – Fishing as the origin of navigation The need to fish on the high seas led coastal communities to improve their vessels, navigation techniques, knowledge of winds and currents, and trade networks, which ultimately led to increasingly longer voyages and maritime exploration. 1. Dependence on Fishing Portugal, […]
From the start of the 16th century until its midpoint, the Brazilian coast saw frequent passages and incursions by Spanish navigators, either en
European interest in and conflict over Brazilwood in the 16th and 17th centuries. This chapter examines the exploitation and trade of Brazilwood
The Portuguese expedition to Brazil in 1503: discoveries, controversies and developments. Several printed and handwritten sources from the early
The captains of Pedro Álvares Cabral’s fleet proposed sending an expedition to explore the new land further. In 1501, King Manuel accepted the
The Portuguese intention behind Cabral’s discovery of Brazil. Some historians debate whether it was Spanish sailors or the Portuguese who first
Although the Spanish navigator Vicente Yánez Pinzón is considered to have discovered Brazil first, according to the Treaty of Tordesillas, the
Spanish exploration of the South American coast between 1499 and 1500: Ojeda, Pinzón, and Diogo de Lepe. Following the discovery of America by
Naturism at Tambaba Beach: A unique experience Situated approximately 30 km south of João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba, Tambaba Beach is one of
Attempts to define the meridian of the Treaty of Tordesillas. 1. The context and structure of the Treaty. The Treaty of Tordesillas stipulated that
The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) divided overseas territories. 1. Context King John II protested to the Roman Curia and neighbouring kings who
The bulls of Alexander VI and the dispute between Spain and Portugal over the new lands (1493). This text explains the papal bulls issued by
Explore the beaches of Fernando de Noronha with this practical guide, which provides access information, details of trails and the best spots for
1 — Ratifications of Portuguese expansion by the Holy See 1. Context and authority of the Holy See In the Middle Ages and early Modern Age, the
A selection of the 15 most famous beaches and coastal destinations in Bahia, bringing together essential information about characteristics (swimming,
Accommodation options in João Pessoa: neighbourhoods, beaches, and pros and cons João Pessoa, Paraíba offers accommodation to suit all tastes —
This text brings together and compares the main types of ships used by Portuguese navigators in the 15th and 16th centuries — nau, caravel (and its
Accommodation options in Fortaleza — pros and cons of each neighbourhood If you are looking for accommodation options in Fortaleza, this list shows
Discover the must-see beaches of the Alagoas coast, organised in ascending order of distance from Maceió (reference: Praça Dois Leões / Ponta
The Age of Discovery transformed Portugal into a maritime power whose nautical knowledge had a profound impact on world history. This text examines
If you are looking for accommodation in Maceió, you should know that the city’s most famous beach is Pajuçara, known for its rafts that take
