Bartolomeu Dias
Bartolomeu Dias was an explorer that represented Portugal. Dias left Portugal in 1488. He was the first one to reach the southern tip of Africa. Dias increased trade from Asia to Portugal and India. This exploration is believed to lead Christopher Columbus to explore the west coast.
Vasco de Guma
Vasco de Guma was an explorer that represented Portugal. He left Portugal in 1497 to try to go around the southern tip of Africa. Vasco de Guma sailed across the Indian ocean to India. Just before Vasco de Guma was going to be killed by India people, he left with his crew back to Portugal with many goods and slaves; however, some of Vasco de Guma's crew died of scurvy, or lack of vitamin C. When de Guma got back to Portugal, he was treated like a hero.
Henry the Navigator
Henry the Navigator was an explorer who represented Portugal. Henry the Navigator is also known as Prince Henry. Henry left Portugal in 1420 to map some of Africas coast. He invited sailorts, cartographers, and shipbuilders to help him explore the world. Henry discovered sugarcanes and also brought back slaves to Portugal.
Pedro Alvares Cabral
Pedro Alvares Cabral is an explorer that represented Portugal. Cabral left Portugal in 1500 to go and fight the Muslims in India. He led 13 ships and ended up winning against the Muslims. Portugal eventually built trading posts in India, China, The Persian Gulf, and the Spice Islands.