Bartolomeu Dias

MedievalExplorerPortugal1450 — 1500

First European to sail around the Cape of Good Hope.

Compare Bartolomeu Dias with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1450

Died

1500

Country

Portugal

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Explorer

Score Overview

Military (10%)10

Political (20%)31

Influence (20%)58

Legacy (20%)50

Leadership (15%)44

Strategy (15%)39

Total Score43.1

Bartolomeu Dias — Complete Timeline

1488 AD

First voyage around the Cape of Good HopeOther

Dias commanded a Portuguese expedition that sailed around the southern tip of Africa, which he named the Cape of Storms. This proved the Atlantic and Indian Oceans were connected, opening a sea route to Asia. The cape was later renamed the Cape of Good Hope by King John II.

Age of DiscoveryNavigationSea Route to India

Impact: globalconstructive

Return voyage to PortugalOther◆ Major

After rounding the Cape of Good Hope, Dias's crew forced him to turn back near the Great Fish River. He returned to Portugal in December 1488, reporting his discovery to King John II. The voyage lasted 16 months and covered over 6,000 miles.

Age of DiscoveryNavigation

Impact: globalconstructive

1500 AD

Participation in Cabral's expedition to BrazilOther

Dias served as a captain in Pedro

Age of DiscoveryColonizationBrazil

Impact: nationalconstructive

Death in shipwreck near the Cape of Good HopeOther◆ Major

Dias died when his ship sank during a storm near the Cape of Good Hope while returning from Cabral's expedition. Four ships from the fleet were lost in the same storm. Dias's body was never recovered.

DeathShipwreckAge of Discovery

Impact: nationaltragic