Lecture Notes: Portuguese Exploration and the Age of Discovery

Introduction

• Date & Context: Early August 1415, Portuguese Armada near North Africa.
• Objective: Capture of the wealthy and strategic city of Ceuta.
• Fleet Composition:
  • 59 galleys, 33 Carex, 120 support vessels.
  • Multinational troops: Portuguese, French, English, and Germans.
  • Leadership: King John I of Portugal and his sons, including Prince Edward.

The Capture of Ceuta

• Background: Ceuta was a wealthy trade center with impressive defenses.
• Military Action:
  • Portuguese arrived on August 12, 1415.
  • Initially faced bombardments; reorganized for an attack on August 16.
  • Strong gale scattered fleet; governor released reinforcements.
  • King John returned on August 21, leading a successful siege.
• Outcome: Portuguese secured Ceuta, marking the beginning of their empire.

Portugal's Strategic Position

• Economic Context: Portugal was poor compared to Central European kingdoms.
• Renaissance Influence: Italy's city-states like Genoa and Venice were wealthy from trade.
• Geopolitical Challenges:
  • Isolated by Atlantic Ocean ("Green Sea of Darkness") and Castile.
  • Defeated Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385).

The Expansion Under King John

• Conquest of Ceuta: Three days of pillage and massacre.
• Significance: Announcement of Portugal's emerging confidence and ambition.
• Henry the Navigator:
  • Knighted in Ceuta’s mosque-turned-church.
  • Vision of cutting out Genoa & Venice, reaching spice markets.
  • Belief in finding Prester John, a mythical Christian king.

Technological & Navigational Advances

• School of Navigation: Allegedly established by Henry in Sagres.
• Caravel Ship Design:
  • Inspired by Portuguese fishing vessels.
  • Featured triangular and square sails, expanded rudder.
  • More maneuverable, requiring a smaller crew.

Portuguese Exploration

• Madeira & Azores: Colonization and utilization for further voyages.
• African Coast Exploration:
  • Yearly expeditions seeking gold, spices.
  • Established markers (padraos), trading posts.
• Impact of Slave Trade: Initiation of slave trade, long-term economic impact.

Bartholomew Diaz & Cape of Good Hope

• Voyage: Blown off course, Diaz discovered the Cape of Good Hope.
• Significance: Opened the passage to India.
• Ptolemaic Doctrine: Disproved by Diaz’s discoveries.

Vasco de Gama’s Expedition to India

• Background:
  • King Manuel ("The Fortunate") pursued the sea route to India.
  • Appointed Vasco de Gama for the mission.
• Voyage:
  • Departure from Lisbon in 1497 with four ships.
  • Innovative route via Atlantic currents.
  • Faced storms, scurvy, eventually reaching India in 1498.
• Calicut Encounter:
  • Initial tension with Samudri Raja.
  • Difficult negotiations; eventual hostile departure.
• Return to Portugal: Significant loss but successful discovery of sea route.
• Impact:
  • Increased tension with Muslim traders.
  • Established Portuguese influence in the spice trade.

Conclusion

• Portuguese Maritime Dominance: Established through exploration, innovation, and military might.
• Long-term Impact: Initiated the Age of Discovery, shaping global trade and colonial dynamics.