Pêro Escobar facts for kids
Pedro Escobar, also known as Pêro Escobar, was a brave Portuguese navigator from the 1400s. He was a key figure in the Age of Discovery, helping to explore new parts of the world for Portugal. He sailed on many important voyages, discovering islands and helping to find new trade routes.
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Discovering New Lands
Pedro Escobar was part of a team that explored the coast of West Africa. Around 1470, he sailed with another explorer named João de Santarém. Together, they discovered several important islands.
Islands Found by Escobar
- On December 21, 1471, they found the island of São Tomé.
- On January 1, 1472, they discovered Annobón island.
- On January 17, 1472, they found the island of Príncipe.
These islands became important stops for ships sailing along the African coast.
Famous Voyages and Explorations
Pedro Escobar was a skilled sailor and pilot. He joined some of the most famous Portuguese expeditions of his time.
Sailing with Diogo Cão
In 1482, Escobar sailed with Diogo Cão on his first big voyage. Cão was known for exploring the Congo River and marking new territories for Portugal. Escobar's experience was very valuable on this journey.
The Journey to India with Vasco da Gama
One of Escobar's most famous roles was as the pilot of the Bérrio caravel. This ship was part of Vasco da Gama's first expedition in 1497. This journey was incredibly important because it was the first time European ships sailed directly from Europe to India. This opened up a new sea route for trade.
Exploring Brazil with Pedro Álvares Cabral
In 1500, Pedro Escobar was also part of Pedro Álvares Cabral's expedition. This voyage led to the discovery of Brazil in South America. Escobar's presence on this trip shows how trusted and important he was as a navigator.
The Gold Trade in Africa
In 1471, Pedro Escobar worked for a rich merchant from Lisbon named Fernão Gomes. Gomes had a special agreement to explore and trade in the Gulf of Guinea, which is a part of the Atlantic Ocean near West Africa.
Escobar played a role in finding a major gold trading area. This area was around a place called Elmina, which is now in modern-day Ghana. The discovery of this gold industry was very important for Portugal's wealth and trade.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro Escobar (navegante) para niños
