Bartholomew Diaz Journey by Unique

      BARTHOLOMEW DIAZ

Bartholomew Diaz was born in 1450, he was sent by Portuguese King John II to explore the coast of Africa and find a way to the Indian Ocean.

He departed in August 1487, rounding the southernmost tip of Africa in January, 1488.  He named this point of land the cape of good hope. Dias was lost at sea during another expedition around the cape in 1500. 

Purpose of the Diaz Expedition

He was a knight of the royal court, superintendent of the royal warehouses, and sailing-master of the man-of-war, (Saint Christopher). King John II of Portugal appointed him, on 10 October 1487, to head an expedition to sail around the southern tip of Africa in the hope of finding a trade route to India. He was also
charged with searching for the lands ruled by Prester John, who was a fabled Christian priest and ruler.

The Expedition

Dias' ship São Cristóvão was piloted by Pêro de Alenquer. A second caravel, the São Pantaleão, was commanded by João Infante and piloted by Álvaro Martins. Dias' brother Pêro Dias was the captain of the square-rigged support ship with João de Santiago as pilot