some of the most famous Portuguese explorers, especially from the Age of Discovery (15th–17th centuries) — a period when Portugal led world exploration by sea:
🧭 1. Prince Henry the Navigator (Infante Dom Henrique, 1394–1460)
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Although he did not personally sail, he was the key sponsor of early Portuguese explorations.
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Established a school of navigation at Sagres.
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Supported expeditions along the west coast of Africa, leading to discoveries of Madeira, Azores, and new maritime routes.
🚢 2. Bartolomeu Dias (c. 1450–1500)
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The first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa in 1488.
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Discovered the Cape of Good Hope, proving that a sea route to Asia was possible.
🌏 3. Vasco da Gama (c. 1460–1524)
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The first European to reach India by sea (1498).
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His voyage established a direct maritime trade route between Europe and Asia via the Cape of Good Hope.
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Greatly expanded Portuguese influence and wealth.
🐘 4. Pedro Álvares Cabral (c. 1467–1520)
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On his way to India (1500), accidentally landed in Brazil, becoming the discoverer of Brazil for Portugal.
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Later continued to India, strengthening Portuguese control over the spice trade.
🌊 5. Ferdinand Magellan (Fernão de Magalhães, c. 1480–1521)
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Originally Portuguese but sailed for Spain after a dispute with King Manuel I.
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Led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe (1519–1522).
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Killed in the Philippines, but his expedition proved that the Earth is round and connected by sea.
🏝️ 6. Diogo Cão (c. 1452–1486)
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Explored the west coast of Africa, discovering the Congo River and reaching as far as Angola.
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Opened routes that helped establish Portuguese colonies in Africa.
⛵ 7. Afonso de Albuquerque (c. 1453–1515)
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A brilliant naval commander and empire builder.
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Conquered Goa (India), Malacca (Malaysia), and Ormuz (Persian Gulf).
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Known as the "Lion of the Seas" — he helped secure Portugal’s control over Indian Ocean trade.
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