Such power and wealth awoke the jealousy of other peoples and after the tragic death of the young King D. Portugal brought together wise men and mercenaries, scientists and painters, businessmen and poets, slaves and princes.

The small kingdom was then the largest Empire in the world. Manuel had the Jeronimos Monastery built (a singular building in which nautical motives are very present) and inserted the armillary sphere in the Portuguese flag. To celebrate this era, particularly the arrival in India, King D. This might have been the beginning of the globalization. It was also a Portuguese, Fernão de Magalhães (sometimes referred to as Magellan), who planned and commanded, between 15, the first circumnavigation of the Globe.

In 1498 Vasco da Gama discovered the maritime route to India and in 1500 Pedro Álvares Cabral arrived in Brasil. They conquered lands, hoarded wealth and brought to Europe things never seen before. During the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries they navigated to Africa, the Far East and the heart of the South American continent. Henrique, also known as Henri the Navigator, the Portuguese caravels crossed the seas, putting to use the best scientifically and practical knowledge of those days. Filipa de Lencastre would be praised by Luiz Vaz de Camões ('Os Lusíadas') as a noble generation of great princes ('Ínclita geração, altos Infantes'), for their humanism, education and governing skills.Īmongst them, one was to be known by History as the visionary and leader who made possible one of humanity’s greatest adventures: the Discoveries. João I was acclaimed king, thus beginning the 2nd dynasty. In 1385, following a popular movement, D. In the most important centers, castles, palaces and cathedrals were built as the territorial administration cemented. Dinis founded the prestigious University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe. With its borders defined, Portugal started to look inside itself. In 1179 that status was confirmed by Pope Alexander the III.ĭuring the 12th and 13th Centuries, the Portuguese Kings extended the borders, until conquering the Algarve, consolidating a territory almost unchanged until today. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, and Alphonse the VII of León and Castile, recognized Portugal as an independent kingdom. Portugal was founded in 1143, year of the Zamora’s Treaty signing.

What land did vasco da gama claim