Pedro Alvares Cabral

MedievalExplorerPortugal1467 — 1520

Portuguese navigator who discovered Brazil.

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Quick Facts

Born

1467

Died

1520

Country

Portugal

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Explorer

Score Overview

Military (10%)30

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)56

Legacy (20%)48

Leadership (15%)57

Strategy (15%)51

Total Score47.7

Pedro Alvares Cabral — Complete Timeline

1500 AD

Battle of CalicutWar◆ Major

After reaching India, Cabral established a trading post in Calicut. Conflict with local Muslim merchants led to an attack on the Portuguese factory. Cabral retaliated by bombarding the city and seizing Muslim ships, escalating tensions.

ConflictIndiaTrade

Impact: regionaldestructive

Appointment as commander of a fleet to IndiaPolitical Action◆ Major

King Manuel I of Portugal appointed Pedro

ExplorationIndiaPortuguese Empire

Impact: global

Discovery of BrazilInvention◆ Major

While following da Gama's route, Cabral's fleet made a westward swing and sighted land on the coast of Brazil. He claimed the territory for Portugal, naming it the Island of Vera Cruz. This discovery led to Portuguese colonization of South America.

DiscoveryBrazilColonialism

Impact: globalconstructive

Establishment of trade relations with CochinPolitical Action◆ Major

After the conflict in Calicut, Cabral sailed to Cochin, where he formed an alliance with the local ruler. He loaded his ships with spices and established a trading post, laying the foundation for Portuguese influence in Kerala.

TradeAllianceIndia

Impact: regionalconstructive

1501 AD

Return to Portugal and loss of favorPolitical Action

Cabral returned to Portugal with a valuable cargo of spices, but his fleet suffered heavy losses. Despite his success, he fell out of favor at court and was not given another command. He retired from active service.

ReturnDisgracePortuguese Empire

Impact: nationaltragic