The Age of Discovery was an important period in European history, marking the peak of European countries' ocean exploration around the world.

During this era, Portugal emerged as an important promoter of the Age of Discovery. This article will explore Portugal's role and contribution to the Age of Exploration, as well as the impact of this period on Portuguese history and world history.

1. Background of the Age of Discovery

The Age of Discovery began at the end of the 15th century when European countries began to actively explore the New World and find new trade routes, especially sea lanes to India.

Explorers of this period were inspired by their curiosity about the unknown world, and they believed that they could discover more wealth and opportunities through ocean exploration.

Portugal was one of the pioneers of the Age of Discovery, and its explorers played an important role in this period. Portugal has a unique geographical location, located on the west side of the European continent, facing the Atlantic Ocean.

This geographical location makes Portugal a natural gateway for European countries to the New World and Africa, and it has also become one of the birthplaces of the Age of Discovery.

2. Prince Henry and Portugal’s Great Navigation Tradition

The beginning of the Portuguese Age of Discovery can be traced back to the time of Prince Henry, an important Portuguese ruler and explorer.

Prince Henry launched a series of expeditions in the mid-15th century to explore the west coast of Africa. He established a navigation school and supported a series of explorer expeditions, a tradition that became the cornerstone of the Portuguese Age of Discovery.

Prince Henry's vision promoted Portugal's in-depth exploration of the ocean. Portuguese explorers began to gradually sail south along the west coast of Africa in search of new trade routes and wealth. These early exploration activities laid a solid foundation for the subsequent development of the Age of Discovery.

3. Bartolomeu Dias and the Road to India

Another important Portuguese explorer was Bartolomeu Dias. At the end of the 15th century, Dias successfully circumnavigated Africa's Cape of Good Hope, marking the discovery of a new sea route to India. This important milestone established Portugal's trade route to the East and opened a new chapter in the Age of Discovery.

Dias's expeditions led the way for Portuguese explorers, including Inacio da Guma, Pedro Alvarez Cabral, and others, who continued on, eventually reaching India.

This successful expedition made Portugal a major player in Indian trade, greatly increasing the country's wealth and international influence.

4. Vasco da Gama and Portuguese rule in the East

Vasco da Gama was another outstanding explorer in the Portuguese Age of Discovery. He successfully arrived in the Indian port of Calicut in 1498, creating the first permanent sea route to India.

This achievement enabled Portugal to maintain stable control over India's trade and established its dominance in the Indian Ocean.

They established trading posts and forts, ensuring the flow of trade.

5. Portuguese Culture

Portugal's great sailing expeditions not only brought trade and wealth but also promoted cultural exchanges. Portuguese explorers brought back information and objects from different cultures during their voyages, which enriched Portugal's cultural heritage.

6. The Decline of the Portuguese Empire

However, despite Portugal's great success during the Age of Discovery, its empire eventually declined. Several factors contributed to Portugal's decline in the late 17th century, including overreliance on trade and competition with other European countries.

In particular, countries such as the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have gradually emerged, and their heavy reliance on trade has caused Portugal to lose flexibility in trade, causing its economy to take a hit. These factors combined led to the decline of the Portuguese Empire.

Portugal played an important role in the Age of Discovery. The courage and foresight of its explorers opened up new trade routes and changed the geography of the world.

Portugal not only achieved commercial success but also made important contributions to the cultural field.

However, the glory days of the Portuguese Empire eventually came to a decline due to a variety of factors, including over-reliance on trade issues. Nonetheless, Portugal's great maritime tradition remains an important chapter in European history.

The Portuguese Age of Discovery was an era of bravery, adventure, and a spirit of exploration that will forever be remembered in the pages of history.