HANDOUT
Explorers Networking Assignment
Name of Explorer: Bartolomeo Diaz
Date (s) of Exploration: August 1487 - December 1488
Nation of Representation: Portugal
Discovery:
-set out to find a way around the southern tip of Africa (also to establish a friendly relationship with the country of Prester John, a Christian African king)
-followed previous route from Diogo Cao to Cape Cross
-continued along coast, reached Kwaaihoek (today known as Eastern Cape province) and erected a stone cross to mark the, at the time, easternmost point of Portuguese exploration
- on the way back discovered Cape of Good Hope
Impact of Discovery:
-created a more direct route for trade between Europe and India/Asia
-allowed traders to avoid the Middle East, where merchants would require payment in order for the Portuguese to travel through their land
-established a route for Vasco da Gama to use in the future
Name of Explorer: Vasco da Gama
Date (s) of Exploration: July 1497 - 1498, 1502-1503
Nation of Representation: Portugal
Discovery:
-first voyage: continued along Diaz’s route to India, established a trading post in Calicut, resented by Muslim traders already there
-January 1498, da Gama attempted to set up trade in Mozambique; presented the sultan with modest gifts, offended him, and was turned back/not allowed to set up a trading post
-between first and second voyage, Portuguese at trading post are massacred
-second voyage: king of Portugal sends da Gama out to establish Portugal’s dominance along the route; forces ruler of Calicut to make peace with the Portuguese traders
-attacks many Muslim ships and ports along the way
-also established more trading posts in Mozambique on the return of second voyage
Impact of Discovery:
-created an entirely nautical trade route from Europe to Asia
-Portugal expanded its trade territories, strengthening their empire
-Portugal monopolized the spice trade, gaining the country wealth