Biography
Bartolomeu Dias was born in Algarve, Portugal around 1450. He had two siblings, Diogo Dias and Pêro Dias. Very little information is know about his childhood, and nothing is known about his parents. His family was very wealthy and he had a great education at the University of Lisbon and was soon employed as the knight of the royal court. He was also an experienced sailor. He spent some time working for the royal court, but then decided he wanted to be an explorer. He is considered to be on of the greatest Portuguese explorers. In 1487, Dias left for his first voyage, sponsored by the King of Portugal. His mission was to find the Southern tip of Africa. He completed his mission in 1488 when he found the Southern tip of Africa. He named it, “Cape of Storms.” This name was later changed to, “Cape of Good Hope” by John ll. Dias’s voyage proved that East Asia could be reached by sailing around Africa. His voyage opened up trade for Portugal with Indian and Asian powers. Bartolomeu Dias’s journey also inspired other explorers, such as Christopher Columbus, to establish their own trade routes. After his voyage he lived in Guinea, Africa for a few years. When Dias returned home to Portugal he helped Vasco Da Gama construct two ships used for Da Gama’s expedition in 1497. He sailed with Da Gama until they reached the Cape Verde Islands, then he returned home. Dias soon decided he wanted to go on a second voyage. Dias sailed with Pedro Cabral until his ship was lost at sea and he drowned to death on May 29, 1500 (age 50.)