Portuguese Empire
The first global maritime empire, Portugal established trade posts and colonies spanning four continents for nearly 600 years, beginning with the capture of Ceuta in North Africa (1415) and ending with the handover of Macau (1999).
Preceding Causes
Maritime technology advances (caravel, lateen sail), Prince Henry the Navigator's systematic sponsorship of African coastal exploration, Reconquista momentum, and the desire for direct access to the African gold and Asian spice trades.
Treaty of Tordesillas
A treaty between Spain and Portugal dividing newly discovered and yet-to-be-discovered lands outside Europe between the two powers along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands.
Vasco da Gama's Voyage to India
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama became the first European to reach India by sea, opening a direct trade route and beginning Portuguese domination of the Indian Ocean.
Age of Exploration
European maritime nations launched expeditions that mapped the globe, connected continents, and transformed world trade, culture, and power dynamics between 1400–1600.