Bartholomew+Dias

Bartholomew Dias by Samantha 

Bartholomew Dias was a very important explorer. He was the first person to sail around the coast of Africa. He was born in Portugal in the year 1450. He was ordered by King John II to find a trade route between Europe and Asia. Instead, he sailed the coast of Africa and discovered what he called the “Cape of Storms” (renamed Cape of Good Hope). He went back to Lisbon and told King John about the trade route.

Later on in his life he went on more expeditions. He helped construct the ship for Vasco Da Gamma’s expedition and traveled for the first part of it. It is believed that Bartholomew Dias and Vasco Da Gamma discovered the Cape Verde Islands. He went on many more expeditions and discovered what is now Mossel Bay.

On one expedition he was commanding four ships when a comet came into sight. It came into view on May 12 and was still in view until May 23. The next day a storm came along and it killed everyone on all four ships including Bartholomew. There he died right near the Cape of Good Hope. That is why Bartholomew Dias is such an important explorer.

media type="custom" key="8023236" align="center"