8 Facts about Bartolomeu Dias

Wednesday, May 20th 2015. | Figures

Facts about Bartolomeu Dias present the information about the famous Portuguese explorer. Dias is also a nobleman of Portuguese royal household. He was born circa 1451. He died on May 29th, 1500. He was the first European explorer who reached Indian Ocean from Atlantic. In 1488, he went on the southernmost tip of Africa. Dias was a respectable man. Let’s find more about Dias below:

Facts about Bartolomeu Dias 1: the respectable man

As I have stated before, Dias was a respectable and honored man. He was called the leader of Saint Christopher or São Cristóvão. The royal court also made him a knight. Moreover, Dias was appointed as superintendent of royal warehouses.

Facts about Bartolomeu Dias 2: the expedition

On 10 October 1487, Dias was appointed by King John II of Portugal to have an expedition to find the route to India by sailing from the southern tip of Africa. Get facts about Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca here.

Facts about Bartolomeu Dias

Facts about Bartolomeu Dias 3: Prester John

Prester John was a fabled Christian ruler and priest. Another mission was not only to find the Indian route but also finding that land ruled by Prester John.

Facts about Bartolomeu Dias 4: the ship

The ship that Dias took was named São Cristóvão. Pêro de Alenquer piloted the ship. The São Pantaleão was the second caravel. Álvaro Martins was the pilot, while João Infante was the commander. Find out another explorer in Alvarez de Pineda facts.

Bartolomeu Dias Picture

Facts about Bartolomeu Dias 5: the expedition of west coast of Africa

The expedition of Dias was directed to the south to reach west coast of Africa. They also went to the São Jorge de Mina on the Gold Coast. It was the Portuguese fortress which gave the extra provision during the expedition.

Facts about Bartolomeu Dias 6: the route

In December, Dias arrived at Golfo da Conceicão or Walvis Bay after he sailed passing Angola. His ship was hit by violent storm after he passed Angra dos Ilheus. He tried to search the coast again 13 days after being hit by the storm. On 4 February 1488, Dias went to Aguada de São Brás which later is known as Mossel Bay after 30 days wandered around the sea.

Bartolomeu Dias Pic

Facts about Bartolomeu Dias 7: the furthest point

On 12 March 1488, Dias and his crew landed at Kwaaihoek. Actually Dias wanted to continue the journey to reach India. However, his crew did not want to proceed. Therefore, he decided to return and discovered Cape of Good Hope.

Facts about Bartolomeu Dias 8: the name

Actually Dias named this African cape as Cape of Storms or Cabo das Tormentas. Then King John II of Portugal changed the name into Cape of Good Hope or Cabo da Boa Esperança.