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Diogo Lopes de Sequeira
Diogo Lopes de Sequeira (Livro de Lisuarte de Abreu).jpg
Portrait in Livro de Lisuarte de Abreu, c. 1560
Captain-major of Gold Coast
In office
1503?–1506?
Monarch Manuel I
Preceded by Fernão Lopes Correia
Succeeded by António de Bobadilha
Governor of India
In office
1518–1522
Monarch Manuel I
John III
Preceded by Lopo Soares de Albergaria
Succeeded by Duarte de Meneses
Personal details
Born 1465
Alandroal, Kingdom of Portugal
Died 1530 (aged 65)
Alandroal, Kingdom of Portugal

D. Diogo Lopes de Sequeira (born 1465, died 1530) was an important Portuguese nobleman. He was a key figure during Portugal's Age of Discovery. His missions helped Portugal explore new trade routes and expand its influence.

Sequeira was sent on important journeys to learn about trade. He explored places like Madagascar and Malacca. These areas were important for valuable goods like spices.

Diogo Lopes de Sequeira's Early Missions

Diogo Lopes de Sequeira was a fidalgo, which means he was a nobleman. He was trusted by the Portuguese king. His first big task was to explore the Portuguese Gold Coast. This was a region in West Africa. He served as a Captain-major there from around 1503 to 1506.

Exploring New Trade Routes

After his time in Africa, Sequeira was given a new mission. He was sent to find out about trade in distant lands. These included the large island of Madagascar. He also explored Malacca, a very important port city. Malacca was a center for spice trade in Southeast Asia.

Arrival in Malacca

Sequeira arrived in Malacca on September 11, 1509. His goal was to set up trade relations. He wanted to make sure Portugal could buy and sell goods there. This was part of Portugal's plan to control the spice trade.

A Dangerous Plot in Malacca

While in Malacca, Sequeira discovered a dangerous plan. The local ruler, Sultan Mahmud Shah, was planning to attack him. The Sultan wanted to harm Sequeira and his men. This made it unsafe for Sequeira to stay.

Sequeira quickly left Malacca the next year. This event had a big impact. It gave another famous Portuguese explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque, a reason to act. Albuquerque then led his own expedition to conquer Malacca.

Governor of Portuguese India

Later, Diogo Lopes de Sequeira was given an even bigger role. He became the Governor of Portuguese India. This was a very powerful position. He held this office from 1518 to 1522.

Leading a Campaign in the Red Sea

As Governor, Sequeira led important military actions. In 1520, he led a military campaign into the Red Sea. This was a strategic move for Portugal. It helped Portugal control more trade routes.

This campaign also helped with diplomacy. It made it easier for Portugal to send its first official message. This message was sent to the country of Ethiopia. It showed Portugal's growing reach and influence.

Legacy and Importance

Diogo Lopes de Sequeira played a vital role. He helped Portugal expand its empire. His explorations opened new trade paths. His actions in Malacca and India were very important. They shaped Portugal's history in Asia.

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