Bartolomeo+Diaz

Bartolomeo Diaz was born into a noble Portuguese family in 1457. Later in life, when he was 24 years old he set off to explore the Gold Coast of Africa with Diogo d'Azambujo. Diaz showed great potential as an explorer. On October 10th, 1486 he was appointed by King John II (Portugal) to lead an exploration around the southernmost tip of Africa as well as the Indes, to meet up with Prestor John (Christian ruler). His journey began from the Tagus River below Lisbon. During his 16 month journey he explored the Portuguese fortress of Sao Jorge de Mina, sailed by the coast of Angola, Golfo de Conceicão (Walvis Bay), Golfo de Santo Estevao (Elizabeth Bay), Cabo Tormentosa (Cape of Storms), Bahia dos Vaqueiros (Mossel Bay), Bahia da Roca (Algoa Bay), and the ending location of a headland called False Islet, which is now known as Kwaaihoek. Diaz made maps of the routes for other local and worldwide explorer to use. His last journey was in 1500. He then went with Pedro Álvares Cabral and discovered Brazil. On May 24th, 1500 he died in a big storm in the Cape of Good Hope.

Diaz played a positive historic role. His discoveries of location along the West-African coast opened new trade routes. The trade routes benefitted everybody during his time.