Page 25 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Lisbon

THE HIST OR Y OF LISBON  23

Henry the Navigator
Although he did not sail himself, Henry (1394–1460),
the third son of João I, laid the foundations for
Portugal’s maritime expansion that were later built
upon by João II and consolidated by Manuel I. As
Master of the wealthy Order of Christ and Governor
of the Algarve, Henry
was able to finance
expeditions along the
African coast. By the
Japanese Screen (c.1600) time he died he had a
This screen shows traders unloading a nau, or monopoly on all trade
great ship. Between 1575 and their expulsion in south of Cape Bojador.
1638, the Portuguese monopolized the carrying Legend tells that he
trade between China and Japan. founded a school of
navigation in the
Algarve, at either
Sagres or Lagos.

Cloves

1543
Portuguese
arrive in Pepper
Japan.
Nutmeg
1513 Trading
1510 posts set up in Cinnamon
Capture China at Macau
of Goa. and Canton. The Spice Trade
Exotic spices were a great source
1498 Vasco 1512 Portuguese of wealth for Portugal. The much-
da Gama 1518 reach Ternate in disputed Moluccas, or Spice
reaches Fortress the Moluccas
Calicut in built in (Spice Islands). Islands, were purchased from
India. Colombo Spain in 1528.
(Sri Lanka).
Cross of the Order
Crow’s nest of Christ
Square sail on
Portuguese Discoveries foremast
The systematic attempt to find a sea route to India,
which led to a monopoly of the spice trade, began
in 1482 with the first voyage of Diogo Cão, who
planted a padrão (stone cross) on the shores
where he landed.

Lateen-rigged Caravel
These ships with three triangular
sails were favoured by the first
Portuguese explorers who sailed
close to the African coast. For later
journeys across the open ocean,
square sails were found more effective.

LS_022-023.indd 23 17/10/14 5:48 pm