Diogo de Azambuja facts for kids

Detail of the Portuguese possession of São Jorge da Mina (A Mina), in a 16th-century Portuguese map

Diogo de Azambuja (1432–1518) was a famous Portuguese noble and explorer. He played an important role in Portugal's history, especially in exploring and building forts in new lands.

Becoming a Soldier and Knight

Diogo de Azambuja was born in a town called Montemor-o-Velho. He became a knight in the Order of Aviz. This was a special group of knights who served the Portuguese royal family.

He served Prince Pedro, who was the son of the Regent Peter, Duke of Coimbra. After Prince Pedro was defeated in the Battle of Alfarrobeira in 1449, Diogo de Azambuja went into exile with him.

In 1458, Diogo de Azambuja fought alongside King Afonso V. They helped conquer a city called Alcácer-Ceguer in Morocco. Because of his bravery, he received many honors and became an advisor to the king.

During the War of the Castilian Succession, he helped take back the town of Alegrete from the Castilians. He was injured in the leg during this battle.

Building a Fortress in Africa

São Jorge da Mina (Elmina Castle)

In 1481, King John II chose Diogo de Azambuja for a very important mission. He was made captain of a large fleet. This fleet had nine caravels (a type of ship) and two other ships.

On board were 600 soldiers and 100 skilled workers like masons and carpenters. They also brought all the stone and materials needed to build a fortress. Their goal was to build a fort called São Jorge da Mina in the Gulf of Guinea. This area was part of the Portuguese Gold Coast colony in Africa.

This mission became the most famous part of Diogo de Azambuja's life. They found a good spot for the fort that was easy to defend. Even though the local people resisted, the fort was almost finished in just 20 days!

Once the fortress was built, they started trading with the local communities. Diogo de Azambuja sent the fleet back to Lisbon to tell the king the mission was a success. He stayed behind as the captain of the new fortress with 60 soldiers. He held this position until 1484. Today, this fortress is known as "Elmina Castle."

Serving the King as a Courtier

After his time in Africa, Diogo de Azambuja was rewarded by the king. He was made the alcaide-mor (a type of governor) of Monsaraz. He also became a member of the king's special council.

Diogo de Azambuja continued to serve the king for many years. This was true even as he got older and had a disabled leg. In 1506, when he was over 70 years old, King Manuel I gave him another big task. He was put in charge of building a fortress called Castelo Real near Essaouira in southern Morocco. This fort was meant to protect Portuguese interests in the area.

Diogo de Azambuja not only completed this mission, but he also captured the city of Safi. He stayed there as captain until 1509, when he was 77 years old. Finally, he returned to Portugal, where he passed away in 1518.

See also

In Spanish: Diogo de Azambuja para niños