journey of bartolomeu dias

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Bartolomeu Dias

By: History.com Editors

Updated: June 6, 2023 | Original: November 9, 2009

Painting of Bartolomeu Dias (Portugal, 1457-Cape of Good Hope, 1500), cartographer and navigator

In 1488, Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias (c. 1450-1500) became the first European mariner to round the southern tip of Africa, opening the way for a sea route from Europe to Asia. Dias’ ships rounded the perilous Cape of Good Hope and then sailed around Africa’s southernmost point, Cabo das Agulhas, to enter the waters of the Indian Ocean. 

Portugal and other European nations already had long-established trade ties to Asia, but the arduous overland route had been closed in the 1450s due to the Ottoman Empire’s conquest of the remnants of the Byzantine Empire. A major maritime victory for Portugal, Dias’ breakthrough opened the door to increased trade with India and other Asian powers. It also prompted Genoan explorer Christopher Columbus (1451-1506), then living in Portugal, to seek a new royal patron for a mission to establish his own sea route to the Far East.

An Ambitious Plan

Almost nothing is known about the life of Bartolomeu de Novaes Dias before 1487, except that he was at the court of João II, or King John II of Portugal (1455-1495), and was a superintendent of the royal warehouses. He likely had much more sailing experience than his one recorded stint aboard the warship São Cristóvão. Dias was probably in his mid- to late-30s in 1486 when King João II appointed him to head an expedition in search of a sea route to India.

Did you know? According to Greek historian Herodotus of Halicarnassus (c. 484-c. 425 B.C.), Egyptian pharaoh Necho II (d. 595 B.C.) sent Phoenician sailors out from the Arabian Gulf to sail around the African continent. Their journey took three years.

King João II was entranced by the legend of Prester John, a mysterious and probably apocryphal 12th-century leader of a nation of Christians somewhere in Africa whose kingdom included the Fountain of Youth . King João II sent out a pair of explorers, Afonso de Paiva (c. 1460-c. 1490) and Pêro da Covilhã (c. 1450-c. 1526), to search overland for the Christian kingdom in Ethiopia. King João II also wanted to find a way around the southernmost point of Africa’s coastline, so just a few months after dispatching the overland explorers, he sponsored Dias in an African expedition.

In August 1487, Dias’ trio of ships departed from the port of Lisbon, Portugal. Dias followed the route of 15th-century Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão (c. 1450-c. 1486), who had followed the coast of Africa as far as present-day Cape Cross, Namibia. Dias’ cargo included the standard “padrões,” the limestone markers used to stake Portuguese claims on the continent. Padrões were planted at the shoreline and served as guideposts to previous Portuguese explorations of the coast.

Dias’ expedition party included six Africans who had been brought to Portugal by earlier explorers. Dias dropped off the Africans at different ports along the coastline of Africa with supplies of gold and silver and messages of goodwill from the Portuguese to the indigenous people. The last two Africans were left at a place the Portuguese sailors called Angra do Salto, probably in modern Angola, and the expedition’s supply ship was left there under guard of nine men.

Dias' Expedition Around South Africa

In early January 1488, as Dias’ two ships sailed off the coast of South Africa, storms blew them away from the coast. Dias is thought to have ordered a turn to the south of about 28 degrees, probably because he had prior knowledge of southeasterly winds that would take him around the tip of Africa and keep his ships from being dashed on the notoriously rocky shoreline. João and his predecessors had obtained navigational intelligence, including a 1460 map from Venice that showed the Indian Ocean on the other side of Africa.

Dias’ decision was risky, but it worked. The crew spotted landfall on February 3, 1488, about 300 miles east of present-day Cape of Good Hope. They found a bay they called São Bras (present-day Mossel Bay) and the much warmer waters of the Indian Ocean. From the shoreline, indigenous Khoikhoi pelted Dias’ ships with stones until an arrow fired by either Dias or one of his men felled a tribesman. 

Dias ventured further along the coastline, but his crew was nervous about the dwindling food supplies and urged him to turn back. As mutiny loomed, Dias appointed a council to decide the matter. The members came to the agreement that they would permit him to sail another three days, then turn back. At Kwaaihoek, in present-day Eastern Cape province, they planted a padrão on March 12, 1488, which marked the easternmost point of Portuguese exploration.

On the journey back, Dias observed the southernmost point of Africa, later called Cabo das Agulhas, or Cape of Needles. Dias named the rocky second cape Cabo das Tormentas (Cape of Storms) for the tempestuous storms and strong Atlantic-Antarctic currents that made ship travel so perilous.

Back in Angra do Salto, Dias and his crew were aghast to find that only three of the nine men left guarding the food ship had survived repeated attacks by locals; a seventh man died on the journey home. In Lisbon, after 15 months at sea and a journey of nearly 16,000 miles, the returning mariners were met by triumphant crowds. 

In a private meeting with the king, however, Dias was forced to explain his failure to meet up with Paiva and Covilhã. Despite his immense achievement, Dias was never again put in a position of authority. King João II ordered that henceforth, maps would show the new name for Cabo das Tormentas: Cabo da Boa Esperança, or Cape of Good Hope.

Dias was an Advisor to Vasco da Gama

Following his expedition, Dias settled for a time in Guinea in West Africa, where Portugal had established a gold-trading site. João’s successor, Manuel I (1469-1521), ordered Dias to serve as a shipbuilding consultant for the expedition of Vasco da Gama (c. 1460-1524). Dias sailed with the da Gama expedition as far as the Cape Verde Islands, and then returned to Guinea. Da Gama’s ships reached their goal of India in May 1498, nearly a decade after Dias’ historic trip around the tip of Africa. 

Afterward, Manuel sent out a massive fleet to India under Pedro Álvares Cabral (c. 1467-c. 1520), and Dias captained four of the ships. They reached Brazil in March 1500, then headed across the Atlantic toward South Africa and, further ahead, the Indian subcontinent. At the feared Cabo das Tormentas, storms struck the fleet of 13 ships. 

In May 1500, four of the ships were wrecked, including Dias’, with all crew lost at sea. Bartolomeu Dias died on May 29, 1500 off the Cape of Good Hope. He is remembered as a pioneering explorer during the Age of Exploration who opened the sea route to Asia via the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean.

journey of bartolomeu dias

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Bartolomeu Dias

Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias led the first European expedition round the Cape of Good Hope in 1488.

bartolomeu dias

(1450-1500)

Who Was Bartolomeu Dias?

Born in 1450, Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias was sent by Portuguese King John II to explore the coast of Africa and find a way to the Indian Ocean. Dias departed circa August 1487, rounding the southernmost tip of Africa in January 1488. The Portuguese (possibly Dias himself) named this point of land the Cape of Good Hope. Dias was lost at sea during another expedition around the Cape in 1500.

Early Life and African Expedition

Almost nothing is known about the life of Bartolomeu de Novaes Dias before 1487, except that he was at the court of João II, king of Portugal (1455-1495), and was a superintendent of the royal warehouses. He likely had much more sailing experience than his one recorded stint aboard the warship São Cristóvão. Dias was probably in his mid- to late 30s in 1486 when João appointed him to head an expedition in search of a sea route to India.

João was entranced by the legend of Prester John, a mysterious and probably apocryphal 12th-century leader of a nation of Christians somewhere in Africa. João sent out a pair of explorers, Afonso de Paiva and Pêro da Covilhã, to search overland for the Christian kingdom in Ethiopia. João also wanted to find a way around the southernmost point of Africa's coastline, so just a few months after dispatching the overland explorers, he sponsored Dias in an African expedition.

In August 1487, Dias' trio of ships departed from the port of Lisbon, Portugal. Dias followed the route of 15th-century Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão, who had followed the coast of Africa as far as present-day Cape Cross, Namibia. Dias' cargo included the standard "padrões," the limestone markers used to stake Portuguese claims on the continent. Padrões were planted at the shoreline and served as guideposts to previous Portuguese explorations of the coast.

Dias' expedition party included six Africans who had been brought to Portugal by earlier explorers. Dias dropped off the Africans at different ports along the coastline of Africa with supplies of gold and silver and messages of goodwill from the Portuguese to the Indigenous peoples. The last two Africans were left at a place the Portuguese sailors called Angra do Salto, probably in modern Angola, and the expedition's supply ship was left there under the guard of nine men.

Routes, Voyages and Expedition Around South Africa

In January 1488, as Dias' two ships sailed off the coast of South Africa, storms blew them away from the coast. Dias is thought to have ordered a turn to the south of about 28 degrees, probably because he had prior knowledge of southeasterly winds that would take him around the tip of Africa and keep his ships from being dashed on the notoriously rocky shoreline. João and his predecessors had obtained navigational intelligence, including a 1460 map from Venice that showed the Indian Ocean on the other side of Africa.

Dias' decision was risky, but it worked. The crew spotted landfall on February 3, 1488, about 300 miles east of present-day Cape of Good Hope. They found a bay they called São Bras (present-day Mossel Bay) and the much warmer waters of the Indian Ocean. From the shoreline, Indigenous Khoikhoi pelted Dias' ships with stones until an arrow fired by either Dias or one of his men felled a tribesman. Dias ventured further along the coastline, but his crew was nervous about the dwindling food supplies and urged him to turn back. As mutiny loomed, Dias appointed a council to decide the matter. The members came to the agreement that they would permit him to sail another three days, then turn back. At Kwaaihoek, in present-day Eastern Cape province, they planted a padrão on March 12, 1488, which marked the easternmost point of Portuguese exploration.

On the journey back, Dias observed the southernmost point of Africa, later called Cabo das Agulhas, or Cape of Needles. Dias named the rocky second cape Cabo das Tormentas (Cape of Storms) for the tempestuous storms and strong Atlantic-Antarctic currents that made ship travel so perilous.

Back in Angra do Salto, Dias and his crew were aghast to find that only three of the nine men left guarding the food ship had survived repeated attacks by locals; a seventh man died on the journey home. In Lisbon, after 15 months at sea and a journey of nearly 16,000 miles, the returning mariners were met by triumphant crowds. In a private meeting with the king, however, Dias was forced to explain his failure to meet up with Paiva and Covilhã. Despite his immense achievement, Dias was never again put in a position of authority. João ordered that henceforth, maps would show the new name for Cabo das Tormentas--Cabo da Boa Esperança, or Cape of Good Hope.

Advisor to Vasco da Gama

Following his expedition, Dias settled for a time in Guinea in West Africa, where Portugal had established a gold-trading site. João's successor, Manuel I, ordered Dias to serve as a shipbuilding consultant for the expedition of Vasco da Gama.

Afterward, Manuel I sent out a massive fleet to India under Pedro Álvares Cabral, and Dias captained four of the ships. They reached Brazil in March 1500, then headed across the Atlantic toward South Africa and, further ahead, the Indian subcontinent. At the feared Cabo das Tormentas, storms struck the fleet of 13 ships. In May 1500, four of the ships were wrecked, including Dias', with all crew lost at sea.

QUICK FACTS

  • Name: Bartolomeu Dias
  • Birth Year: 1450
  • Birth Country: Portugal
  • Gender: Male
  • Best Known For: Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias led the first European expedition round the Cape of Good Hope in 1488.
  • Nacionalities
  • Death Year: 1500
  • Death date: May 29, 1500
  • Death Country: South Africa

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Bartolomeu Dias: Navigating the Cape of Good Hope

Bartolomeu Dias, a pioneering Portuguese navigator and explorer, is an iconic figure in the annals of maritime history. As an explorer, Dias was the first European mariner to round the southern tip of Africa. In 1488 he proved that the Atlantic Ocean connected with the Indian Ocean, opening up the lucrative sea route between Europe and Asia.

The fifteenth century was the beginning of the Age of Discovery and some of the greatest maritime explorers in history – such as John Cabot, Vasco da Gama, Piri Reis, Zheng He, Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci and Pedro Álvares Cabral – sailed the world’s oceans in search of new worlds. One of the lesser known of the great fifteenth century explorers was Bartolomeu Dias, but his achievements were no less extraordinary.

Portugal and other European countries had had trade ties with Asia for centuries, but the overland route, including the famed Silk Road, was arduous and fraught with peril in the form of hostile terrain, bandits, and political instability. In contrast, the sea route around the Cape of Good Hope, despite its own challenges and risks, offered a more direct and potentially faster way to reach Asia from Europe.

Dias’s successful navigation of this route was a critical turning point, paving the way for Europe’s naval expansion and enhanced trade with Asia. This significant achievement in global exploration also laid the foundation for future expeditions to uncover new territories and prospects.

This is the remarkable story of the voyage of Bartolomeu Dias.

The Early Life of Bartolomeu Dias

Bartholomew Diaz on his voyage to South Africa, 1878. (Credit: Fine Art Images/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

Unlike most of the well-known fifteenth and sixteenth century explorers whose biographies are often well detailed, almost nothing is known about the early life of Bartolomeu Dias, sometimes written as Bartholomew Diaz. It’s likely he was born somewhere between 1450 and 1455, possibly into a family with a maritime background.

One of the issues surrounding the accuracy of information concerning his early life was that there were a number of Portuguese mariners also called Bartolomeu Dias, or similar variations of the same spelling. However maritime historians are broadly agreed that he came from a family with a strong seafaring tradition, and probably served at the court of King João II in a minor capacity.

For Bartolomeu Dias, discovery was in his blood and there’s evidence to suggest he may have been trading ivory along the coast of Guinea in West Africa as early as the late 1470s.

In 1481, it’s likely Dias joined an expedition led by Portuguese explorer Diogo de Azambuja to build a trading post and fortress called Castelo de São Jorge da Mina, known today as Elmina Castle, on the Gulf of Guinea in present-day Ghana. In fact it remains to this day the oldest European-built building south of the Sahara desert.

He also may have been part of the 1482-1484 expedition led by Diogo Cão, another of Portugal’s eminent adventurers, down the west-central African coast and up the Congo River, the second-longest river in Africa.

Cão was also tasked by João II to locate the southern tip of the west coast of Africa but the two expeditions he led ended in failure. In 1486, the king asked Bartholomew Diaz to take on the challenge.

The Remarkable Voyage of Bartolomeu Dias

King John II of Portugal (1455-1495) (Credit: © CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

Commissioned by the king in 1486, Bartolomeu Dias’s historic voyage began in July or August 1487, when he set sail from Lisbon with the ambitious goal of finding a sea route to India. A bizarre side note to this astonishing adventure was that the king also charged the explorer Dias and his crew to find a figure known as ‘Prester John’.

Prester John was a legendary Christian king rooted in mediaeval European folklore who was said to reign over a vast kingdom in Asia or Africa. The origins of the myth likely emerged from various historical and mythical sources, including tales of distant Christian kingdoms, such as the Ethiopian Empire, and accounts of the Mongol Empire’s conquests. This mythical king was thought to possess immense wealth and wield considerable military might, making him an attractive figure for European Christians during the Crusades and the subsequent periods of religious and geopolitical conflict.

For Portugal in the late fifteenth century, finding Prester John was pivotal for its strategic and religious goals. As a burgeoning maritime power, Portugal aimed to expand Christianity and access new trade routes to Asia, especially for spices. The alliance with a powerful Christian king like Prester John was seen as a crucial counterbalance against the Muslim-dominated overland trade routes. This quest, though ultimately unfulfilled, spurred explorers like Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama to make paradigm-shifting maritime discoveries.

A Journey of (Good) Hope

Ruins of Lisbon after the earthquake and fires in 1755 (Credit: Sepia Times / Contributor via Getty Images)

Another fascinating element of the voyage of Bartolomeu Dias was that there are no contemporary records of the trip. An earthquake followed by a tsunami and uncontrollable fires in 1755 in Lisbon destroyed virtually the entire city. Due to this catastrophe, almost all the information known about the expedition comes from an historian named João de Barros who documented the trip around sixty years later.

The expedition left Lisbon in three ships – the São Cristóvão, the São Pantaleão, and a supply ship reported to have been captained by Dias’s brother Pêro (named Diogo in later sources) – and they carried with them a set of padrões. These were stone pillars left by Portuguese mariners to mark important land discoveries, serving as records of their exploration and claims of sovereignty.

They headed south along the western coast of Africa. This route was already partially known to the Portuguese due to earlier expeditions and they stopped at various padrões that had been previously planted by other Portuguese explorers. They passed the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde Islands, continuing southwards.

Crossing the Equator

Continuing south, Bartholomew Diaz crossed the Equator. This part of the journey was significant as it led the expedition into the Southern Hemisphere, where the constellations and weather patterns were unfamiliar to European sailors of the time. As an explorer, Dias was in uncharted territory.

By December 1487, they reached Golfo da Conceição, present-day Walvis Bay in Namibia. After carefully navigating their way due south down the Namibian coastline, the ships turned southwest and headed out into the open ocean of the South Atlantic.

There’s no agreed consensus as to why they made such a diversion – they may have been blown off course by storms, or Dias may have had knowledge of more favourable southeasterly winds, but whatever the reason, it worked in their favour.

The Final Push

Unknowingly, this change of course – which took them into the South Atlantic for as many as thirty days – diverted the ships on a broad arc around the southernmost tip of Africa. Eventually, the ships turned northward and rounded the Cape of Good Hope, supposedly without actually seeing it. This was a pivotal moment as it proved that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans were connected and that a sea route to India was possible.

The voyage of Bartolomeu Dias was over a thousand miles further than any previous Portuguese journey had accomplished. On March 12, 1488, they reached as far as the mouth of the Boesmans River, and planted the Padrão de São Gregório.

The Journey Back

View Of The Cape Of Good Hope In South Africa. (Credit: Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

The Bartolomeu Dias discovery was an astonishing accomplishment. Indeed, it’s said he wanted to push on to reach India, but his travel-weary crew, notwithstanding the fact that supplies were low, wanted to return home to Portugal.

Retracing their route, Dias and his crew finally saw the Cape of Good Hope which he named Cabo das Tormentas (Cape of Storms). After a sixteen month expedition which took in something close to 16,000 miles, they arrived back in December 1488, supposedly to a muted, if not nonexistent, reception.

The Last Hurrah of Bartholomew Diaz

Vasco Da Gama (Credit: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

It’s believed that by 1494, Dias was back at the court of João II. In 1497, after not venturing back to the Indian Ocean for almost ten years – due in part to Portugal’s very expensive war with Morocco – Bartolomeu Dias was back on the ocean waves.

As well as assisting with the design of the two ships used by Vasco da Gama to sail to India, Dias went half the way with da Gama, stopping at Cape Verde while the rest of the expedition carried on.

What Happened to Bartholomew Diaz?

Cape Of Good Hope, South Africa. (Credit: Universal History Archive / Contributor via Getty Images)

In 1499, while part of an expedition led by Pedro Álvares Cabral, four ships, including one captained by Bartolomeu Dias, were lost in a huge storm off the Cape of Good Hope. Dias died doing what he loved, in a place that will be forever associated with his name.

Dias was married with two sons, Simão Dias de Novais and António Dias de Novais. A grandson, Paulo Dias de Novais, went on to become the governor of Portuguese Angola and founded Angola’s capital city, Luanda in 1575.

Bartolomeu Dias: Changing the Course of History

Painting of Bartolomeu Dias (Credit: DeAgostini via Getty Images)

Bartolomeu Dias’s historic expedition around the Cape of Good Hope stands as a monumental achievement in the annals of exploration. His daring voyage in 1488 not only redefined European understanding of the world’s geography but also laid the groundwork for the age of global maritime trade and exploration.

By proving the feasibility of a sea route to Asia around the southern tip of Africa, the voyage of Bartolomeu Dias significantly contributed to the decline of overland trade routes and ushered in an era of European expansion. Although his life was cut short in 1500, his legacy endures. He is remembered not just as a pathfinder who opened the seas to his compatriots, but as a pivotal figure who paved the way for the great explorers who followed, most notably Vasco da Gama, and forever changed the course of global history.

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Bartolomeu Dias

Bartolomeu Dias, also spelt: Bartholomew Diaz. He was a Portuguese navigator whose discovery in 1488 of the Cape of Good Hope showed Europeans there was a feasible route to India around the storm-driven southern tip of Africa. He also discovered for Europe the south-east trade winds and the westerlies to the west and south of South Africa, thus establishing the wind system for those who sailed after him. King João II of Portugal financed Dias’s expedition. Dias took part in Cabral's expedition that discovered Brazil, but Dias’s ship sank during a storm. It is very unlikely that Dias was, in fact, the first mariner to round the Cape. The great merchant traders of antiquity ¾ the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks, Arabs, Chinese and Indians ”” all made journeys down the west and east African coasts, and one expedition went right around the continent.

Nevertheless, the voyage of Dias was fraught with consequences, for at the time the search for a passage to the Indies was a move in the great struggle between the Moslem world and Christendom. The epoch-making voyage of Dias not only opened up the sea route to the Indies; it paved the way for contact between Europe, Africa, and the East, greatly extending the Portuguese sphere of influence. Early information about Dias's voyage is limited because all the actual records of his voyage perished when the castle of São Jorge, in which they were housed, burnt down after the Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

However, historians have reconstructed story from chronicles written in the sixteenth century, from near-contemporary maps, and from the stone pillars or padroes which the explorers raised on headlands along the African coast during their voyages, and from old rutters (sailing instructions). The route-book of Duarte Pacheco Pereira has been particularly useful. Pereira wrote the Esmeraldo de Sito Orbis, in which he records his own adventures on the Guinea coast. He wrote from direct experience because Dias rescued him in 1488 on his return voyage after the discovery of the Cape of Good Hope.

Dias's squadron of three ships departed from the River Tagus below Lisbon in August 1487. The name of the flagship has not survived, but we do know that Dias’s pilot was Pero de Alenquer. The second caravel was the São Pantaleao, commanded by João Infante and piloted by Alvaro Martins. Diogo Dias, Bartolomeu’s brother, commanded the storeship, a square-rigger. Her pilot was João de Santiago, who had previously accompanied Diogo Cão up the Congo River. (See Cão, D.) They also carried with them six African hostages who had been taken to Portugal earlier, some by Diogo Cão. They were to be landed at various places on the coast to praise the greatness of the Portuguese and to explain to local chiefs that the Portuguese king wished to establish friendly relations and make contact with Prester John, the legendary Christian king of Ethiopia. The Portuguese king wished them to know that they were seeking a way to India in order to trade.

To replenish provisions before voyaging beyond the Congo, the squadron called at São Jorge de Mina, the Portuguese fortress on the Gold Coast. They touched on the barren Namibian coast in December, and on the coast of Angola, they transferred provisions and supplies from the storeship and left it at anchor with a caretaker crew of nine men. Beyond Cape Cross, they sailed close to the coast. It is thought that they reached Golfo da Conceicão (Walvis Bay) on 8 December, where it is likely that they anchored. Sailing southward along the Namaqualand coast, they named the Gulf of St Thomas (Spencer Bay) and the Angra das Voltas (Luderitz). Continuing along an inhospitable coast, they sailed into Golfo de Santo Estevão (Elizabeth Bay). On 6 January, Dias named a range of mountains Serra dos Reis (the northern Cedarberg). Beyond this point, tradition has it that they encountered adverse winds. Beating on for some days without sighting land, they unwittingly rounded the Cape of Good Hope in late January 1488. While coasting along the southern shores, they came to the Gourits estuary where they saw Khoikhoi tending their wide-horned cattle. They named this river, Rio dos Vacqueiros (River of the Cowherds).

Much worn by wind and weather, in early February 1488 they pressed on eastwards along the coast and, realizing they must have rounded the continent of Africa, they anchored in a broad bay to replenish their water casks. They named this bay Golfo de São Bras (Mossel Bay). Here, the local inhabitants accepted their trinkets and the sailors were able to buy by barter cattle and sheep. But the Khoikhoi later grew distrustful of the interlopers and attacked them. Snatching up a crossbow, Dias shot one of them dead causing the people to flee in terror. The sailors immediately withdrew to their ships, and the expedition sailed on eastward as far as Bahia da Roca (Algoa Bay) where they anchored in the lee of the largest of three rocky islets crowded with sea birds and sea-lions. On the summit, they raised a wooden cross and celebrated mass. They named the islet ilhéu da Cruz. A few days after leaving Algoa Bay, they came to a river mouth, which Dias called Rio de Infante after João Infante, the captain of the second ship. Here, his men compelled him to return them to Portugal because they were exhausted and frightened and their provisions were running out. Historians first assumed his turning point to be the mouth of the Great Fish, but it is now thought to have been the Keiskamma River at Hamburg, 50 km south-west of East London. On 12 March 1488, a little west of Bushman's River mouth, they dropped anchor at a headland, formerly called False Islet, now known as Kwaaihoek. Here, Dias erected his farthest stone pillar, the padrão de São Gregorio and then resumed his homeward journey. Eric Axelson excavated fragments of this padrão in 1938.

Again, Dias's caravels sailed into Algoa Bay. They anchored at Struisbaai Bay on 23 April, naming it Aguada de San Jorgy. They probably stayed here for some time renewing their supplies of fresh food. They saw Cape Agulhas on 16 May, but were unaware that this unimpressive point was the southern extremity of Africa, as all later maps indicate the Cape of Good Hope as being the tip of the continent. The caravels then sailed into Walker Bay, beyond which lies modern Hermanus. Sailing on past a backdrop of mountain ranges, they rounded Cape Hangklip, and entering False Bay, naming it Golfo dentro das Serras (the bay between the mountains). Dias sailed for some days in False Bay and it is very likely that he saw Table Mountain from here, as the side of the mountain is clearly seen fro this position. On 6 June, Dias erected a second padrão somewhere on the Cape Peninsula. Legend has it, Dias called Cabo Tormentosa ””Cape of Storms ””, and the Portuguese king supposedly renamed it Cabo da Boa Esperanca. Professor Axelson scotches this with reference to Pacheco Pereira's statement:

It was not without good reason that this promontory received the name Cabo da Boa Esperanca because Bartolomeu Dias, who discovered it at the command of the late King João in the year 1488, saw that the coast here turned northwards and north-eastwards towards Ethiopia-under-Egypt and on to the gulf of Arabia, which gave indication and expectation of the discovery of India, and for this reason gave it the name of Cabo da Boa Esperanca.

Moreover, a note in a book of Christopher Columbus records that Dias gave an account to King João of how he navigated `to the promontory called by him Cabo da Boa Esperanca'. (Axelson, 1972: 149). Dias's chroniclers record that a padrão dedicated to São Filipe was placed on a prominence of the Cape of Good Hope on 6 June 1488 (Saint Philip's Day). But no trace of it has ever been found. From the Cape of Good Hope, Dias sailed northward. On St Christopher's Day, 34 July, he rejoined the storeship they had left behind at Luderitz Bay. Of the nine men who had remained, six had been killed in attacks by Khoikhoi hostile to their presence, and the three survivors were so weak that the purser, Fernão Colaco, apparently died with joy at the sight of the returning ships. After setting fire to the store-ship, Dias erected his last padrão to the west of the bay that he called Golfo de São Cristovão. By the 1820s, the limestone pillar had been overthrown.

Professor Axelson identified the original site on the foghorn knoll in 1953 and he recovered many fragments of the padrão at the foot of the hill and in the adjacent channel and shallows. Dias probably put in at the mouth of the Congo. He certainly anchored at Principe Island in the Gulf of Guinea, where he rescued Pacheco Pereira and the survivors of an expedition, which had been sent to explore the waterways entering the Bight of Biafra. These explorers had fallen ill with fever and had lost their vessel after a fruitless search for a navigable route to the land of Prester John.

Dias dropped anchor at the river Tagus in December 1488 after a voyage of sixteen months and seventeen days, and having discovered 350 leagues of coastline unknown to Europeans. According to Christopher Columbus, who said he was present at the time, Dias sketched and wrote in a chart for the king, league by league, the voyage he had just completed. This chart has since vanished.

In the same decade that Dias had reached the Cape of Good Hope, Christopher Columbus had sailed across the Atlantic, also looking for a sea route to the Indies. To settle conflicts between Spain and Portugal arising out of Columbus's first voyage, Pope Alexander VI drew up the Treaty of Tordesillas of 1494 to demarcate the boundaries of the spheres of influence of the Spanish and Portuguese kings.

Nine years were to elapse before the next Portuguese fleet under Vasco da Gama sailed around Africa in search of India. During that time, João II died (1495) and was succeeded by his cousin and brother-in-law, Manuel, who took a keen interest in exploration. Dias accompanied Da Gama's fleet as far as the Cape Verde islands where he left it to command the fort at Mina. Dias gained experience in trading at Mina and brought back with him a cargo of gold and slaves, which were sold to provide finances for further expeditions.

When Da Gama returned to Portugal in 1499 with news about the extent of Muslim gold trading on the east African coast, King Manuel became determined to send a strong armada to take advantage of these discoveries. The fleet, under the command of Admiral Pedro Alvares Cabral, included a squadron of four caravels under Dias, who had been selected to found a fortress-factory at the gold-exporting port of Sofala on the east coast. On 9 March 1500, the armada set out on the Atlantic and turned south-westward to take advantage of the south-east trade winds. Cabral may well have been secretly instructed to explore the western area allotted to Portugal under the Treaty of Tordesillas of 1494. Sailing westward, the fleet came upon the bulge of South America. Dias thus became an active participant in the first discovery of Brazil. In order to test the mood of the local inhabitants Dias was ordered to land a longboat at an anchorage they named Porto Seguro (the present Baia Cabralia). As the natives proved friendly and attractive, the Portuguese went ashore and danced and made merry with them, visited their village, and afterwards celebrated mass on the beach.

Cabral and his fleet sailed from Brazil on 2 May 1500. On 24 May, while re-crossing the South Atlantic, a cyclone suddenly overwhelmed the fleet. Four ships were swallowed up, including the caravel of Bartolomeu Dias.

Cabral secures the sea route to India for Portugal. Cabral eventually found himself off Sofala with only six battered ships, all stripped of sail. Realizing it was now impossible to establish a fortress at Sofala, he pressed on to Cochin and other ports where he traded for spices and formed alliances with the local rajas, finally securing the Portuguese sea route to India that Dias had done so much to establish.

Sources differ on the spelling of Dias's first name Bartolomeu/Bartholomew.

Howcroft, P. (undated)

Bartholomew Dias : esd.k12.ca.us Bartholomew Dias: elizabethan-era.org.uk

https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=132d1e92a740df08&rlz=1C1CHBF_enZA979ZA979&q=what+is+the+spelling+of+bartolomeu+dias+in+portuguese&spell=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj-lcyr2MiEAxXyZEEAHefMA-sQBSgAegQICRAC&biw=1600&bih=765&dpr=1#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:d7a72652,vid:-obcHCCDmKE,st:0

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Bartolomeu Dias Facts, Biography and Timeline

Published: Aug 16, 2011 · Modified: Nov 12, 2023 by Russell Yost · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Bartolomeu Dias was the first explorer to sail around the tip of Africa. He would be influential on fellow Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama .

Bartolomeu Dias

Dias came about 217 years after Marco Polo  and expanded the explorations that were funded by the late Prince  Henry the   Navigator .

Bartolomeu Dias was one of the first explorers since Henry the Navigator to begin expanding the Portuguese Empire. Portugal would become the first global empire with colonies throughout India, South America, and coastal areas of Africa.

They would open trade with India for the first time since the Ottomans captured Constantinople. Once opened up, it became one of the wealthiest nations in Europe.

Explorations

Last voyage and death.

Bartolomeu Dias Facts

Dias was a Knight in the royal court and a sailing master of the man-of-war, Saint Christopher. It would be in Saint Christopher that King John II appointed him the head of the expedition to sail to the tip of Africa. 

King John also ordered him to search for the lands ruled by Prester John. Prester John was a legendary King who was believed to rule near the top of Africa.

Dias formed his team and set sail from Lisbon in 1487 with three ships. The expedition sailed south along the African coast. Provisions were to be picked up at the Portuguese fortress, Sao Jorge de Mina. 

After picking up provisions, continued to the Cape of Good Hope, which was at the top of Africa. He would round the cape on February 3, 1488. He would reach the end of his mission at Kwaaihoek on March 12, 1488.

Dias returned to Portugal in December of that year. He was the first European to ever make it that far around Africa. 

Although the official report has been lost, it is believed he found the passage that would make it possible for Portugal to trade with India.

This was important for their economy since it would be quicker than going over land, and they would be able to avoid the expensive middlemen.

Dias would originally name the Cape of Good Hope the "Cape of Storms."

After Dias' journey, Portugal did not send another expedition for 10 years. He helped construct two ships for the upcoming journey. The first was the Sao Gabriel and its sister, the Sao Rafael. 

Cape of Good Hope

Dias would sail in the Gabriel while fellow seamen Vasco da Gama would sail in the Rafael. During this voyage, Dias only participated in the first leg of the voyage. He sailed up to the Cape Verde Islands and then returned to Portugal.

Vasco da Gama continued to India. He took part in a second expedition in which he reached the coast of Brazil in 1500.

After taking possession of the coast, Dias sailed east towards the Cape of Good Hope. It would be here that his name for the Cape of Good Hope, The Cape of Storms, would be proven correct.

Four ships encountered a huge storm, and Dias died during it. It is believed that Dias died on May 29, 1500.

The Cape of Storms was renamed the Cape of Good Hope by King John II because it represented the opening of a passageway to India.

Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama

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Bartolomeu Dias

Bartolomeu Dias born in 1451 and he became a Portuguese nobleman and explorer. He was the sailing master of the man-of-war Saint Christopher from 1487 and 1488. He also led a three-ship expedition that made the first recorded rounding of the southern tip of Africa.

Dias’s Work

Very little is known of Bartolomeu’s life before the year 1487. The only thing known about him is that he was at a court of Joao II, the King of Portugal, between 1455 and 1495. He was also the superintendent of royal warehouses. In 1846, when he was in his late 30s, Joao appointed him to lead an expedition to search for a sea route to India.

Joao was sent to go out with two explorers. The three were to look overland for a Christian kingdom located in Ethiopia. Joao also wished to find a route around Africa’s southern coast. Just few months after the overland explorers were went out, he decided to sponsor Dias in one African expedition.

Sailing around Africa

In August of 1487, Dias’ trio of ships took off from port of Lisbon in Portugal. He followed a route of Diogo Cao, a 15th century Portuguese explorer. Diogo had followed this African coast as far as Cape Cross in Namibia. His expedition party included six Africans that had earlier been brought to the land of Portugal by some earlier explorers.

He dropped the Africans at various different ports just along the African coastline. He left them with supplies of silver and gold from the Portuguese to all the indigenous communities. The last two Africans were dropped at a place that Portuguese sailors had named Angra do Salto (now Angola). The expedition’s supply ship was actually left there under a guard of nine men.

South African Expedition

In the early part of 1488, Dias’ two ships were sailing off the coast of South Africa. Storms had pushed them away from coast. Dias then ordered the ships to turn south at 28 degrees because he had known of the southeasterly winds that helped him around the tip of Africa.

This also helped him keep the ships from getting dashed on rocky shoreline. Joao and other people had already obtained navigational intelligence that included one 1460 map all the way from Venice showing the Indian Ocean on the other side of the African continent. They found one bay and named it Sao Bras (now Mossel Bay).

Making the Right Decision

Bartolomeu Dias decided to venture further along this coastline. However, his crew was very nervous about the reducing food supplies and therefore urged him to return. As mutiny loomed, he appointed a council to work on the matter. All the council members agreed that they would let him sail three more days and then turn back.

Naming Some Provinces

At Kwaaihoek (now the Eastern Cape Province), the team planted a padrao on March 12, 1488. This marked the easternmost point of the Portuguese exploration. On his way back, Dias crossed the southernmost point of Africa, now called the Cape of Needles. He named the rocky second cape Cabo das Tormentas because of the strong storms and Atlantic and Antarctic currents which made the ship travel perilous.

A Disaster for Dias

In Angra do Salto, Bartolomeu and his team was devastated to find out that only three of the nine men left to guard their food ship had made it. After being in the sea for 15 months and having traveled a journey of about 16,000 miles, the mariners were actually met by some triumphant crowds. Despite his great achievements, Dias was never given another position of authority.

Working with Vasco da Gama

After his expedition, Dias decided to settle in Guinea in the western part of Africa. Here, he served as a consultant for an expedition of the famous Vasco da Gama. He sailed with the Vasco expedition all the way to the Cape Verde Islands and then went back to Guinea. The ships reached their main goal getting to India in May of 1498. Later, Dias captained four ships that reached Brazil in 1500. The crew then headed across the Atlantic towards South Africa. Unfortunately, their journey was cut short in May of 1500 when four ships were wrecked due to the notorious storms. The entire crew was lost at sea, including Dias.

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  • Bartolomeu Dias

Bartolomeu-Dias

Bartolomeu Dias was a Portuguese explorer . He was the first man to have sailed around the Cape of Good Hope. Dias did not set out on the journeys which made him famous until he was in his thirties.

Voyage to the Cape

All that is known about Dias’s life before his time as an explorer is that he was in charge of some of King João II’s warehouses. Also, he had only made a single voyage aboard a warship. Sometime in 1486, however, the king tasked him with leading an expedition to discover a route to India by sea. With a small fleet of three ships, Dias set sail in August of the following year. The party at first followed the route discovered a few years earlier by Diogo Cão, which ended at what is now Namibia.

After having stopped at several African ports with gifts of precious metals and assurances of friendship toward the native peoples, Dias’s ships were blown out to sea by a storm. However, he had been given a Venetian map by the king that showed that the Indian Ocean lay to the east of Africa, and this encouraged him to turn south. As the party was heading into entirely unknown territory, Dias was effectively betting his men’s lives on the course change. Yet, in February, 1488, land was sighted.

The Southern Tip of Africa

Landfall was a few hundred miles east from the Cape, but there was little time to explore as tribesmen attacked with stones. Eventually, one of Dias’s men killed a tribesman, after which resistance ceased. Though Dias wanted to push on along the coastline, their food was running out, and the threat of mutiny hung in the air. Eventually, an agreement was reached that a maximum three more days of sailing would be allowed. This brought them to Kwaaihoek in the Eastern Cape, which proved to be the eastern extent of their travels.

During the return journey, Dias saw the extreme southernmost tip of Africa. He named it the Cape of Storms. He chose the name for the treacherous mixture of strong currents and frequent storms that combined in the area. Upon arriving home, large crowds greeted the explorers when they got to Lisbon.

Despite Dias’s achievements, the king was unhappy that he had not managed to find Pêro da Covilhã, a secret agent stationed in India. He commanded that the cape the explorer had named should instead be referred to as the Cape of Good Hope. Dias himself, now out of favor, lived for a while in the Portuguese trading center of Guinea. After this, the new king, Manuel I, sent him to oversee the shipbuilding for Vasco da Gama’s expedition. Dias accompanied da Gama as far as Cape Verde, and then returned to Guinea.

After the success of da Gama’s voyage, Manuel assembled a large fleet and sent it to India under the command of Pedro Álvares Cabral. Dias himself was put in charge of four ships, which traveled first to Brazil, reaching it in March 1500. From there, a course was set for South Africa and then India. Dias, however, was never to see the land he had tried for so long to reach. In May, as the ships rounded the Cape, four of the 13 ships were sunk in a storm, with Dias among those who drowned.

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Bartholomeu Dias

Bartholomeu Dias: Famous Portuguese Explorer

The Nobleman from Portugal, Bartholomeu Dias was born in the year 1451 and made history with his successful expeditions. He was known for being an able explorer and is best remembered for being the first among Europeans to have sailed around the tip of the continent of Africa in the year 1488.

His name still shines brightly in the pages of history books for the magnitude of his achievements that brought innumerable benefits to his future generations!

Bartholomeu Dias Discoveries

Dias was chosen as the leader of the expedition that aimed at finding a way to reach the Indian subcontinent through the sea and tried to locate this route by sailing around the tip to the south of Africa.

The main aim behind this voyage was to discover a way to reach India by sea so that trade relations could be established with the Asian country that was rich in spices which were valuable and scarce.

Bartholomeu Dias Discoveries

Moreover, Dias was also instructed to revive good relations with those countries that were important to Portugal’s financial future and hence the latter wanted to establish friendly terms with them.

Finally, he was in search of those lands which were believed to be ruled by Africa’s prince who was said to be a Christian priest as well and had been made famous by various fables. Thus he was on a mission that had multiple aims!

Bartholomeu Dias Journey

The journey of Bartholomeu Dias began in 1487’s August. He sailed through the land of Angola and arrived at the Walvis Bay in December. He then crossed the Cape of Good Hope and reached the Saint Blaise Bay by February next year.

By 12th march of 1488, Dias and his men arrived at Waaihoek and constructed a Padrao at that place to mark the last point of their expedition. Unfortunately, though Dias had the intention of sailing up to the Indian subcontinent,

Bartholomeu Dias Ships

the reluctance of his men compelled him to start sailing back home. It was at this point of time that Bartholomeu Dias discovered the famous Cape of Good Hope in 1488 May.

He finally returned to Lisbon after his successful expedition by December of 1488. Vasco da Gama made use of the discovery of Dias during his journey to India. In fact, Bartholomeu Dias himself was part of that expedition till the islands of Cape Verde.

Bartolomeu Dias Ship

He died when they were nearing the Cape of Good Hope which he used to refer to as the Cape of Storms. It was ironically a storm that killed Dias and the others in his ship at this spot on the 29th of May, 1500.

Bartholomeu Dias Ship

His discovery helped many explorers in the future and helped find the necessary connecting sea route between the east and the West. A lot of the world history that we know today would have been impossible without this discovery. This is what makes Bartholomeu Dias’ contribution to European history especially important.

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Bartolomeu Dias and his Trip into the Pacific Ocean

Bartolomeu Dias (c. 1450 – 29 May 1500)

Most likely on May 29, 1500 , Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias  died by drowning in a storm near Cabo das Tormentas. Dias sailed around the southernmost tip of Africa in 1488 , reaching the Indian Ocean from the Atlantic , the first European known to have done so.

Little in known about Bartolomeu Dias’ Early Life

Not too much is known about the life and achievements of Bartolomeu Dias. He may have been a descendant of João Dias, who sailed around Cape Bojador with Gil Eanes in 1434, and of the merchant and explorer Dinis Dias, who in 1444, on behalf of Henry the Navigator ,[ 5 ] was the first European to sail to the westernmost point of continental Africa, discovering Cabo Verde and Terra dos Guineus in what is now Senegal. He was a Knight of the royal court, superintendent of the royal warehouses, and sailing-master of the man-of-war, São Cristóvão . In search of the sea route from Europe to Asia, Portuguese expeditions had been exploring the west coast of Africa since the time of Henry the Navigator in the early 15th century.

The Expedition

In October 1487, it is believed that King John II of Portugal appointed him to sail around the southern tip of Africa in the hope of finding a trade route to India. The pilot of his flagship, the caravel São Cristóvão , was Pêro de Alenquer . The second caravel of the fleet, the São Pantaleão, was commanded by João Infante . As pilot he was assisted by Alvaro Martins. A supply ship with the pilot João de Santiago was under the command of Bartolomeu Dias’ brother, Diogo Dias. There were also six Congolese on board, brought to Lisbon by Diogo Cão, with the task of advancing inland along the coast, looking for trade opportunities as well as for the  Prester John , who was a fabled Christian priest and ruler.

Along the West Coast of Africa

Dias’ expedition sailed towards the south along the West coast of Africa and After having sailed past Angola, Dias reached the Golfo da Conceicão by December. It is assumed that he discovered first Angra dos Ilheus and that he was hot by a giant storm afterwards. Dias continued to search the coast again to the east, but found only ocean. Bartolomeu Dias sailed around Cape of Good Hope at a considerable distance to the west and southwest, he turned towards the east, and taking advantage of the winds of Antarctica that blow strongly in the South Atlantic, he sailed northeast. After 30 days without seeing land, he probably entered what he named Aguada de São Brás on 4 February 1488.

An illustration of the São Cristóvão and São Pantaleão, two of the ships in Bartolomeu Dias’ expedition around Africa, from The Sea: its stirring story of adventure, peril & heroism., Volume 2 (1887)

Forced to Turn Back

It is believed that Bartolomeu Dias’ expedition reached its furthest point on 12 March 1488 when they anchored at Kwaaihoek , near the mouth of the Bushman’s River, where a padrão — the Padrão de São Gregório — was erected before turning back. Even though he intended to continue sailing to India, Dias was forced to turn back when his crew refused to go further. During the journey back, Dias observed the southernmost point of Africa, later called Cabo das Agulhas, or Cape of Needles. Dias named the rocky second cape Cabo das Tormentas for the tempestuous storms and strong Atlantic-Antarctic currents that made ship travel so perilous. Further sources of the journey differ and not much has been reported. However, in Lisbon, after 15 months at sea and a journey of nearly 16,000 miles, the returning mariners were met by triumphant crowds. The official report of the expedition has been lost.

Consulting Vasco da Gama

Following his expedition, Dias probably settled for a time in West Africa, where Portugal had established a gold-trading site. Manuel I , ordered Dias to serve as a shipbuilding consultant for the expedition of Vasco da Gama .[ 3 ] Dias sailed with the da Gama expedition as far as the Cape Verde Islands, then returned to Guinea. Da Gama’s ships reached their goal of India in May 1498. Afterward, Manuel sent out a massive fleet to India under Pedro Álvares Cabral , and Dias captained four of the ships.[ 4 ] They reached Brazil in March 1500, then headed across the Atlantic toward South Africa and, further ahead, the Indian subcontinent. At the feared Cabo das Tormentas, storms struck the fleet of 13 ships. In May 1500, four of the ships were wrecked, including Dias’, with all crew lost at sea.

References and Further Reading:

  • [1]  Bartolomeu Dias at History.com
  • [2]  Bartolomeu Dias at South African History
  • [3]  Vasco da Gama and the Route to India , SciHi Blog
  • [4]  Pedro Álvares Cabral and the Discovery of Brazil , SciHi Blog
  • [5]  Henry the Navigator and the Age of Discoveries , SciHi Blog
  • [6] Bartolomeu Dias at Wikidata
  • [7]  “Bartolomeu Dias Biography” .  Biography.com
  • [8]  Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). “ Bartolomeu Dias “.  Catholic Encyclopedia . New York: Robert Appleton Company.
  • [9]  Alchin KL, from Elizabethan Era.  “Bartholomeu Dias”
  • [10]  Corey Auen,  HS242: Module 1: The Age of Exploration , Corey Auen @ youtube
  • [11]  Ravenstein, E. G. (1900).  “The Voyages of Diogo Cão and Bartholomeu Dias, 1482-88” .  The Geographical Journal .  16  (6): 625–655.
  • [12] Timeline of Portuguese Explorers, via DBpedia and Wikidata

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How Long Was Bartolomeu Dias’ Voyage?

Published: December 14, 2023

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Introduction

Bartolomeu Dias, a Portuguese explorer born in the 15th century, is remembered for his remarkable voyage that forever changed the course of maritime exploration. His expedition was centered around finding a sea route to the lucrative spice markets of India, a task that had eluded European explorers for centuries. In his quest to reach India, Dias became the first European to navigate around the southern tip of Africa, now known as the Cape of Good Hope.

His voyage, which took place between 1487 and 1488, was filled with challenges, unknown dangers, and uncertain outcomes. With limited navigational tools and a reputation for treacherous seas, the journey was a daunting undertaking. However, driven by curiosity, ambition, and the spirit of adventure, Bartolomeu Dias set sail on a mission that would forever alter the course of history.

The purpose of this article is to delve into the details of Bartolomeu Dias’ historic voyage, exploring the background, preparations, route, significant discoveries, and the impact it had on future explorations. By understanding the incredible journey undertaken by this intrepid explorer, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the courage and determination it took to push the boundaries of exploration.

Background on Bartolomeu Dias

Bartolomeu Dias was born in Portugal in the 1450s during an era of great maritime exploration and discovery. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he came from a noble Portuguese family with a long history of seafaring. Raised in an environment steeped in tales of adventure and the allure of distant lands, Dias developed a fascination with exploration from a young age.

Like many of his contemporaries, Bartolomeu Dias was inspired by the expeditions of Prince Henry the Navigator, who had established a navigation school in Sagres, Portugal. This school became a hub of maritime knowledge and attracted explorers, cartographers, and scientists eager to expand the boundaries of human knowledge.

Dias’ interest in exploration eventually led him to become a skilled navigator and sailor. He honed his skills by participating in numerous trade and exploration voyages along the western coast of Africa, where Portuguese ships sought to establish trade routes and expand their influence.

By the late 15th century, Portugal had already gained valuable knowledge and experience in its exploration of the African coast. However, a major obstacle stood in their way—a direct sea route to the rich spice markets of India. The Portuguese believed that such a route would break the Venetian monopoly on the lucrative spice trade, leading to vast economic and political gains.

It was against this backdrop that Bartolomeu Dias prepared for his monumental voyage, driven by a burning desire to find a sea route to India and further establish Portugal as a leading seafaring nation.

Preparations for the Voyage

The preparations for Bartolomeu Dias’ voyage were meticulous and thorough, reflecting the significance and magnitude of the undertaking. Recognizing the inherent risks and challenges of sailing into uncharted waters, Dias took great care in ensuring that his expedition had the best possible chance of success.

One of the key aspects of the preparations was assembling a skilled and experienced crew. Dias handpicked sailors who had prior knowledge of trade routes along the African coast and were familiar with the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The crew consisted of seasoned navigators, sailors, and cartographers, each bringing their unique expertise to the voyage.

In addition to selecting the right crew, the ship itself required careful attention. Dias chose a sturdy and seaworthy caravel, a small, fast, and maneuverable vessel that was well-suited for long-distance voyages. The caravel was equipped with the latest navigation tools of the time, such as astrolabes and quadrants, which aided in determining latitude and measuring the altitude of celestial bodies.

Food and supplies were also a crucial part of the preparations. The crew needed enough provisions to sustain them for a lengthy journey. They carried barrels of fresh water, dried and preserved foods, including salted fish and meat, as well as fruits and vegetables to combat scurvy.

Another crucial element of the preparations was gathering information and maps from previous expeditions. Dias studied the navigational charts and reports of explorers who had ventured along the African coast, assimilating their knowledge to plan his route. This reconnaissance was essential for determining the best path through unknown waters and avoiding potential dangers.

Finally, Dias sought the blessings and guidance of religious authorities before embarking on the voyage. He visited churches and enrolled the support of priests and monks, who offered prayers and bestowed holy relics upon the crew, hoping for safe passage and divine protection.

With the crew, ship, supplies, and blessings in place, Bartolomeu Dias was ready to set sail on his historic voyage, confident that he had done everything possible to pave the way for a successful exploration of uncharted waters.

Departure from Lisbon

The day of departure from Lisbon was met with great anticipation and excitement. Bartolomeu Dias and his crew set sail from the bustling port of Lisbon, Portugal, on August 8, 1487. As they bid farewell to their loved ones and looked out at the vast ocean before them, they knew they were embarking on a journey that would test their courage, resilience, and navigational skills.

The ship, adorned with the banner of Portugal, glided through the waters of the Tagus River, propelled by a gentle breeze. Salutes and cheers filled the air as onlookers gathered to witness the departure of the brave explorers. The voyage had officially begun.

As the ship made its way down the coast, the crew navigated through familiar waters, passing by nearby towns and landmarks. But as they moved farther away from the familiar, the feeling of adventure and the unknown began to settle in.

The initial part of the journey involved navigating the Atlantic Ocean along the west coast of Africa. The crew encountered rough seas, strong winds, and unpredictable weather conditions, but their experience and seamanship helped them weather the challenges and stay on course.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months as the ship sailed further south. The crew relied on celestial navigation, using the position of the stars and the sun to guide their way. Nights were filled with the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the hull and the occasional creaking of the ship as it battled the mighty Atlantic.

With each passing day, the landscape changed. The lush green shoreline of Portugal gave way to barren and desolate stretches of land. As they moved closer to the southern tip of Africa, the crew faced a mix of anticipation and anxiety. They knew that beyond the horizon lay uncharted waters and the promise of new discoveries.

As the ship ventured into unknown territory, the sense of awe and uncertainty grew. Bartolomeu Dias and his crew experienced a combination of excitement and trepidation as the familiar gave way to unexplored horizons. The vastness of the ocean was both awe-inspiring and daunting, reminding the crew that they were entering uncharted waters.

What lay ahead was a daunting challenge—one that would test their resolve, navigation skills, and courage. Would they reach their destination? Only time would tell, as they sailed further south and closer to their ultimate goal—the Cape of Good Hope.

Route and Discoveries

Bartolomeu Dias’ voyage followed a southward route along the western coast of Africa, known as the “Cabo das Tormentas” or Cape of Storms. His mission was to explore uncharted waters and find a direct sea route to India, bypassing the treacherous land routes and the need to sail around the African continent.

As the ship sailed further south, the crew encountered various discoveries along the way. They reached the mouth of the Orange River, now located in present-day Namibia, marking the furthest point reached by European explorers at the time. This milestone served as an inspiration and a testament to their progress.

Continuing their journey, the crew encountered strong currents, powerful winds, and turbulent seas around what is now known as the Cape of Good Hope. The name “Cape of Good Hope” was coined by Dias himself, as he believed that the successful navigation of this treacherous point opened new hope for a sea route to India.

After navigating the perilous Cape, the crew sailed eastward, entering the Indian Ocean. They reached the southern coast of present-day South Africa, discovering new areas and mapping the coastline as they went along. It was in this region that they made significant observations about the changing climate and geographical features.

As they continued their eastward journey, Dias and his crew encountered the Cape Verde Islands, located off the coast of West Africa. This archipelago provided a crucial respite for the weary crew, allowing for rest, replenishment of supplies, and repairs to the ship.

One of the most important discoveries made by Dias during his voyage was the realization that the trade winds blew from the southeast in the southern hemisphere. This knowledge would prove invaluable in future maritime expeditions, as ships could take advantage of these winds to facilitate faster and more efficient voyages.

While the primary objective of finding a direct sea route to India remained elusive, Bartolomeu Dias’ voyage was instrumental in expanding European knowledge of the African continent and its surrounding waters. The detailed maps and valuable firsthand accounts provided a foundation for future explorers who aimed to reach India by sea.

Bartolomeu Dias’ achievements during this voyage laid the groundwork for future expeditions, including Vasco da Gama’s successful journey to India a decade later. The knowledge gained from Dias’ voyage would prove invaluable in opening up new trade routes and establishing Portugal as a dominant maritime power.

Encounter with the Cape of Good Hope

The encounter with the Cape of Good Hope was a pivotal moment in Bartolomeu Dias’ voyage. Situated at the southernmost point of the African continent, the Cape of Good Hope proved to be a challenging and treacherous obstacle for European explorers.

As Dias and his crew entered the area, they were confronted with strong winds, powerful ocean currents, and towering waves. The unpredictable weather conditions and jagged coastline posed significant risks to their safe passage. The stormy seas and harsh conditions earned the cape its original name, the “Cabo das Tormentas” or Cape of Storms.

Despite the daunting challenges, Dias successfully navigated his ship through the turbulent waters of the Cape. This feat marked a significant milestone in maritime exploration, as it proved that it was indeed possible to sail around the southern tip of Africa. Dias, recognizing the significance of this accomplishment, renamed the cape the “Cape of Good Hope,” symbolizing the newfound hope for a direct sea route to India.

The successful passage through the Cape of Good Hope not only demonstrated the bravery and skill of Dias and his crew but also opened up new possibilities for future trade and exploration. The treacherousness of the cape had previously deterred many European explorers from venturing further, but now, with a proven route, the spice-rich lands of the East were within reach.

Moreover, the encounter with the Cape of Good Hope allowed Dias to gather valuable information about the region. He observed the changing weather patterns, noting the convergence of different ocean currents and the abundance of marine life in the region. These observations would prove significant for future navigators and explorers, providing vital knowledge for safer voyages in the area.

Overall, the encounter with the Cape of Good Hope was a defining moment in Bartolomeu Dias’ voyage. It marked the successful navigation of a perilous region, the renaming of the cape itself, and the opening of new possibilities for trade and exploration. The voyage demonstrated the indomitable spirit of exploration and laid the foundation for subsequent expeditions that would shape the course of world history.

Return Journey and Arrival in Lisbon

After successfully navigating through the Cape of Good Hope, Bartolomeu Dias and his crew embarked on the return journey to Lisbon. Their accomplishment of finding a route around the southern tip of Africa filled them with a sense of triumph and anticipation as they set sail towards home.

The return journey presented its own set of challenges and obstacles. The unpredictable nature of the ocean meant that the crew had to navigate through storms and rough seas once again. However, armed with their newfound knowledge and experience, they were better equipped to handle the hardships that lay ahead.

As they sailed northward along the African coast, the crew made stops at various ports and settlements along the way, replenishing their supplies and connecting with local traders. These interactions allowed for cultural exchange and the establishment of diplomatic relationships between the Portuguese and the indigenous peoples of the region.

As they approached the shores of Europe, the crew became overwhelmed with a mixture of excitement and nostalgia. The familiar sights and sounds of Lisbon gradually came into view, marking the end of their long and arduous journey. The ship docked in the port of Lisbon, greeted by cheering crowds and jubilant celebrations, as word of their successful voyage had spread throughout the city.

Bartolomeu Dias and his crew were hailed as heroes, their achievements celebrated by the people of Portugal. The news of their discovery of a route to India by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope ignited a sense of national pride and excitement throughout the country.

The crew was showered with accolades and honors. They were received by Portuguese royalty and other prominent figures, who recognized the significance of their achievement. Dias, in particular, was honored with titles, including the title of “Cape Captain,” reaffirming his role as a trailblazer in maritime exploration.

The arrival of Dias and his crew in Lisbon marked the successful completion of their momentous journey. Their courage, perseverance, and determination had paid off, forever changing the course of history and opening up new possibilities for exploration and trade.

Their return to Lisbon also marked the beginning of a new era of Portuguese maritime dominance. The knowledge gained from their voyage would inspire subsequent expeditions, paving the way for further discoveries and establishing Portugal as a formidable force in global exploration.

Impact and Legacy of Bartolomeu Dias’ Voyage

The voyage of Bartolomeu Dias had a profound impact on the world of exploration and the course of human history. His successful navigation around the Cape of Good Hope opened up new horizons and paved the way for future maritime expeditions. The impact and legacy of his voyage can be seen in various aspects:

1. Exploration and Trade: Dias’ voyage demonstrated the feasibility and viability of a sea route to India. This sparked a wave of exploration and prompted other explorers, such as Vasco da Gama, to follow in his footsteps. The discovery of an oceanic route to India revolutionized global trade, leading to the establishment of direct trade links between Europe and Asia, and ultimately changing the economic landscape of the world.

2. Maritime Technology and Navigation: The voyage of Bartolomeu Dias highlighted the importance of navigation tools and techniques. The success of the expedition prompted further advancements in maritime technology, such as improved navigational instruments and the development of more seaworthy ships. These advancements had a lasting impact on future explorations and paved the way for subsequent maritime endeavors.

3. Expansion of Portuguese Influence: Dias’ voyage marked a significant milestone in expanding Portuguese influence around the world. Portugal emerged as a major maritime power, establishing trading posts and colonies along the newly discovered routes. This extended the reach of Portuguese influence and laid the foundations for the vast Portuguese empire that would emerge in the following centuries.

4. Scientific and Geographical Knowledge: Bartolomeu Dias’ voyage contributed to the advancement of scientific and geographical knowledge. The observations made during the journey, including weather patterns, ocean currents, and geographic features, provided valuable information for future explorers and cartographers. This expanded understanding of the world led to more accurate maps and charts, furthering scientific knowledge and shaping future exploration endeavors.

5. Inspiration and Legacy: The achievements of Bartolomeu Dias served as an inspiration to countless explorers and navigators who followed in his footsteps. His determination, courage, and spirit of adventure became legendary, leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of exploration. His voyage paved the way for further expeditions and inspired future generations of explorers to push the boundaries of human discovery.

Overall, Bartolomeu Dias’ voyage had a profound impact on world history. It opened up new trade routes, expanded geographical knowledge, and established Portugal as a dominant maritime power. His journey ignited the Age of Exploration, forever changing the world and setting the stage for centuries of future maritime endeavors.

Bartolomeu Dias’ historic voyage around the Cape of Good Hope was a seminal moment in the age of exploration. His journey not only proved the existence of a sea route to India, but it also shattered long-standing geographical assumptions and laid the foundation for future maritime conquests.

Dias’ voyage embodied the spirit of adventure, curiosity, and determination that defined the explorers of the time. It showcased the indomitable human spirit to conquer the unknown and chart new territories. His accomplishments opened up new trading possibilities, expanded scientific knowledge, and changed the course of world history.

The impact of Dias’ voyage resonates through the ages. It inspired an era of exploration, with fellow explorers like Vasco da Gama following in his footsteps and ultimately establishing Portugal as a dominant maritime power of the time. Dias’ discoveries and contributions to navigation and cartography laid a solid foundation for future explorations and advancements in maritime technology.

Beyond its immediate impact, Dias’ voyage had far-reaching consequences. It unleashed an era of globalization, connecting distant lands, and facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas on a global scale. It challenged the existing trade routes and shattered the monopoly held by Venetian merchants, leading to the rise of new economic powers.

Moreover, Dias’ voyage left a lasting legacy of human endurance and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. It symbolizes the drive to push boundaries, overcome challenges, and unravel the mysteries of the world. The lessons learned from his voyage continue to inspire and shape the progress of exploration, science, and navigation to this day.

In conclusion, Bartolomeu Dias’ voyage stands as a testament to human ambition, innovation, and resilience. His successful navigation around the Cape of Good Hope forever altered the course of maritime exploration, international trade, and global interactions. It remains an enduring symbol of the human spirit of discovery and stands as a testament to the transformative power of exploration and the boundless potential of human endeavor.

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IMAGES

  1. 🐈 Bartolomeu dias voyage route. Bartolomeu Dias Facts, Biography and

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  2. Dias' Route of Exploration

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  3. 😂 Bartolomeu dias route map. What Did Bartolomeu Dias Discover?. 2019-02-15

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  4. Bartholomeu Dias

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  5. Bartolomeu Dias Route

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  6. The expedition

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VIDEO

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  3. Flashback In History: December 16

  4. Fragata Portuguesa Bartolomeu Dias Recentemente Modernizada

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  6. UWO Solo ganador Bartolomeu Dias

COMMENTS

  1. Bartolomeu Dias

    Bartolomeu Dias (born c. 1450—died May 29, 1500, at sea, near Cape of Good Hope) ... Little is known of the return journey except that Dias touched at Príncipe, the Rio do Resgate (in the present Liberia), and the fortified trading post of Mina.

  2. Bartolomeu Dias

    Bartolomeu Dias (c. 1450-1500) was a Portuguese explorer who became the first European to round the southern tip of Africa. ... Their journey took three years.

  3. Bartolomeu Dias

    Bartolomeu Dias (c. 1450 - 29 May 1500) was a Portuguese mariner and explorer. In 1488, he became the first European navigator to round the southern tip of Africa and to demonstrate that the most effective southward route for ships lies in the open ocean, well to the west of the African coast. His discoveries effectively established the sea ...

  4. Bartolomeu Dias: Biography, Expedition of the Cape of Good Hope

    Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias led the first European expedition round the Cape of Good Hope in 1488. ... In Lisbon, after 15 months at sea and a journey of nearly 16,000 miles, the returning ...

  5. Bartolomeu Dias

    Bartolomeu Dias was the first European explorer to sail around the southern coast of Africa successfully. In 1488, Dias proved that a sea trading route from Europe to Asia was possible. ... It took a year of preparation before Bartolomeu Dias began his journey. Voyages Principal Voyage Bartolomeu Dias set sail from Lisbon, Portugal in August ...

  6. Bartolomeu Dias: Navigating the Cape of Good Hope

    Bartolomeu Dias, a pioneering Portuguese navigator and explorer, is an iconic figure in the annals of maritime history. As an explorer, Dias was the first European mariner to round the southern tip of Africa. In 1488 he proved that the Atlantic Ocean connected with the Indian Ocean, opening up the lucrative sea route between Europe and Asia.

  7. Bartolomeu Dias

    Date of Birth: circa 1450. Date of Death: 24 May 1500. Gender: Male. Bartolomeu Dias, also spelt: Bartholomew Diaz. He was a Portuguese navigator whose discovery in 1488 of the Cape of Good Hope showed Europeans there was a feasible route to India around the storm-driven southern tip of Africa. He also discovered for Europe the south-east trade ...

  8. Bartolomeu Dias Facts, Biography and Timeline

    Bartolomeu Dias was one of the first explorers since Henry the Navigator to begin expanding the Portuguese Empire. Portugal would become the first global empire with colonies throughout India, South America, and coastal areas of Africa. ... After Dias' journey, Portugal did not send another expedition for 10 years. He helped construct two ships ...

  9. Bartolomeu Dias

    Bartolomeu Dias (Anglicized: Bartholomew Diaz) (c. 1450 - May 29, 1500), a Nobleman of the Royal Household, was a Portuguese explorer who sailed around the southernmost tip of Africa in 1488, the first European known to have done so. He named the what became known as the Cape of Good Hope "the Cape of storms." He helped to open up the route that Vasco da Gama would take to India ...

  10. Bartolomeu Dias and the Opening of the Indian Ocean Trade Route to

    When Bartolomeu Dias set sail on a journey that lead him past the Cape of Good Hope, Portugal had already discovered and conquered most of western Africa. There is no question that political, economic, and religious motives were at the foundation of such territorial expansion. The outcome for science, though, was somewhat unexpected.

  11. Bartolomeu Dias: Pioneering European Explorer

    Q&A. Who was the first European to round the tip of Africa? — Bartolomeu Dias was the first European to round the tip of Africa. What did Portugal do during the early 1400s? — Portugal took the lead in exploration during the early 1400s, establishing forts, trading posts, and ports along the western coast of Africa. What was the significant impact of Bartolomeu Dias' journey?

  12. Bartolomeu Dias

    Bartolomeu Dias was a Portuguese explorer famous for being the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa, now known as the Cape of Good Hope

  13. Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama

    Bartolomeu Dias. In 1488, Bartolomeu Dias sailed around the southern tip of Africa (the Cape of Good Hope). His voyage showed that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans flowed into each other. Ptolemy had been wrong to think that the Indian Ocean was land-locked. Dias' discovery paved the way for Vasco da Gama's voyage to India.

  14. Bartolomeu Dias Biography

    Bartolomeu Dias born in 1451 and he became a Portuguese nobleman and explorer. He was the sailing master of the man-of-war Saint Christopher from 1487 and 1488. ... After being in the sea for 15 months and having traveled a journey of about 16,000 miles, the mariners were actually met by some triumphant crowds. Despite his great achievements ...

  15. Bartolomeu Dias Facts & Biography

    Bartolomeu Dias. Born: c. 1451 in Algarve, Kingdom of Portugal. Died: May 29, 1500 (at age 48-49) in Cape of Good Hope. Nationality: Portuguese. Occupation: Navigator and explorer. Famous For: First European to sail around the southernmost tip of Africa. Bartolomeu Dias was a Portuguese explorer.

  16. The Rounding of the Cape

    On the homeward journey, Bartolomeu Dias anchored his ship on the 6th of June (St Philip's Day) and planted his second stone cross (arguably the most famous landmark of his voyage) right on the Cape of Good Hope itself. He mounted the third and final stone pillar in the Namibian bay of Luderitz.

  17. Bartolomeu Dias Interactive Map

    Click on the world map to view an example of the explorer's voyage. How to Use the Map. After opening the map, click the icon to expand voyage information. You can view each voyage individually or all at once by clicking on the to check or uncheck the voyage information. Click on either the map icons or on the location name in the expanded ...

  18. Bartholomeu Dias Ship: Famous Portuguese Explorer

    Bartholomeu Dias Journey. The journey of Bartholomeu Dias began in 1487's August. He sailed through the land of Angola and arrived at the Walvis Bay in December. He then crossed the Cape of Good Hope and reached the Saint Blaise Bay by February next year. ... Bartolomeu Dias Ship. He died when they were nearing the Cape of Good Hope which he ...

  19. Bartolomeu Dias and his Trip into the Pacific Ocean

    Most likely on May 29, 1500, Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias died by drowning in a storm near Cabo das Tormentas. Dias sailed around the southernmost tip of Africa in 1488, ... Further sources of the journey differ and not much has been reported. However, in Lisbon, after 15 months at sea and a journey of nearly 16,000 miles, the returning ...

  20. How Long Was Bartolomeu Dias' Voyage?

    Bartolomeu Dias' achievements during this voyage laid the groundwork for future expeditions, including Vasco da Gama's successful journey to India a decade later. The knowledge gained from Dias' voyage would prove invaluable in opening up new trade routes and establishing Portugal as a dominant maritime power.

  21. The Story of the replica of Dias' caravel

    Mossel Bay's Maritime Museum houses a replica of the Caravel in which Bartolomeu Dias becams the first European navigator to round the cape, and which he sa...

  22. Journey

    Journey of Bartolomeu Dias: -Dias was born in Portugal, from a Portuguese family. -He wanted to explore the Gold coast of Africa. -He went on this journey with his ship: "São Cristóvão," -Bartolomeu Dias and his crew started sailing, and hit a storm all of a sudden. This storm lasted two weeks, and it was along African coast. -After sailing ...