Historical Events tagged with "age of discovery"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Henry VII Grants Cabot Exploration Letters Patent
King Henry VII of England issued letters patent to John Cabot and his sons, giving them the authority to explore unknown lands across the Atlantic Ocean. This royal directive aimed to expand England's maritime reach and was part of the broader European Age of Discovery. John Cabot, an Italian navigator and explorer, along with his sons, was tasked with seeking new territories and trade routes, which could enhance England's economic prosperity and political stature. The significance of this authorization eventually led to the establishment of the first European presence in North America.
Continue ReadingBartolomeu Dias reaches Mossel Bay, South Africa
Bartolomeu Dias, the Portuguese explorer, made a significant maritime achievement by landing in Mossel Bay after successfully rounding the Cape of Good Hope. His journey was part of an expedition to find a sea route to India. This was a pivotal moment in the Age of Discovery, as Dias became the first known European to sail so far south along the African coast, opening the door for future explorations and trade routes to Asia.
Continue ReadingPapal Bull Grants Portugal African Rights
The papal bull Romanus Pontifex was issued, granting the Kingdom of Portugal the exclusive rights to trade and colonization throughout Africa south of Cape Bojador. This decree was a significant endorsement of Portuguese exploration and expansion in Africa. It was motivated by the desire to spread Christianity and to maximize trade profits from newly discovered territories. The bull recognized the Portuguese efforts to establish control over maritime routes and promote their economic interests in the region.
Continue ReadingHenry the Navigator Becomes Order of Christ Governor
Infante Henry of Portugal, known as Henry the Navigator, was appointed governor of the Order of Christ, a significant religious and military order. This appointment marked a pivotal moment in supporting the Portuguese Age of Exploration. Henry was instrumental in promoting maritime exploration along the West African coast, which revolutionized navigation and overseas expansion for Portugal.
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