Pêro da Covilhã facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pêro da Covilhã
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| Born | c. 1460 Covilhã, Kingdom of Portugal
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| Died | After 1526 |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Occupation | Explorer, spy, diplomat |
| Known for | Explorations in the Near East and the adjoining regions of Asia and Africa. |
Pêro da Covilhã (born around 1460 – died after 1526) was a brave Portuguese explorer and diplomat. He was also known as a spy. He came from a town called Covilhã in Beira.
In his younger days, Pêro worked for a Spanish nobleman. Later, when there was a war between Spain and Portugal, he returned home. He then served the Portuguese kings Afonso V of Portugal and John II of Portugal. In 1487, he went on an important journey by land to India. His goal was to find new trade routes and learn about spices. He also visited Ethiopia. His detailed reports helped Portugal become a leader in world geography and trade.
Contents
Pêro's Secret Mission to the East
Pêro da Covilhã was not from a noble family, but he was a skilled fighter. He was also very loyal to the Portuguese King. He could speak Arabic and Castilian (Spanish) fluently. This helped him carry out secret missions in Spain and Morocco for King John II of Portugal.
Because of his success, the King sent him and another explorer, Afonso de Paiva, on a special mission. They were to explore the Near East, Asia, and Africa. Their main tasks were to find out where spices like cinnamon came from. They also hoped to find the legendary land of Prester John. At the same time, Bartolomeu Dias was trying to find a sea route around Africa to India.
Starting the Journey
The expedition began on May 7, 1487, in Santarém. Before they left, Covilhã and Paiva met with experts. These included a bishop and two Jewish mathematicians. They were given a map of the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
From Santarém, they traveled through Barcelona to Naples. There, they got money for their journey. Then they went to Rhodes, where they bought honey. This helped them pretend to be merchants in the Arab world. After that, they sailed to Alexandria in Egypt.
Across Deserts and Seas
Both explorers got sick with a fever. After recovering, they took a boat down the Nile River to Cairo. From Cairo, they traveled by camel caravan across the desert. They reached the ports of El-Tor and Suakin on the Red Sea.
They sailed across the Red Sea to Aden. Here, they split up because of the monsoon winds. Covilhã went to India, and Paiva went to Ethiopia. They planned to meet again later in Cairo.
Covilhã's Discoveries in India and Africa
Covilhã sailed on a trading boat across the Indian Ocean. He reached Calicut, which was a major center for the spice trade in India. By 1488, he was in Goa. He then sailed north to Ormuz, a very important port at the mouth of the Persian Gulf.
During his travels, Covilhã gathered lots of information. He learned about sailing routes, winds, currents, ports, and local politics. From Ormuz, he sailed down the east coast of Africa. He reached Sofala, the southernmost point that Arab sailors usually reached. At Sofala, he investigated if it was possible to sail around Africa by sea. By 1491, he was back in Cairo. He had successfully explored the main trade routes of the Indian Ocean.
A Sad Reunion and New Orders
Back in Cairo, Covilhã learned that Paiva had died on his way to Ethiopia. Meanwhile, King John II of Portugal had sent new messengers. They were Rabbi Abraham of Beja and José Sapateiro. They brought new instructions for Covilhã and Paiva.
The King wanted both men to return to Lisbon. But first, they had to "see and find out about the great King Prester John". Covilhã sent a message back with José Sapateiro. He described his journeys in India and Africa. He also gave advice on how to reach India by sea. He suggested sailing south along the coast of Africa. He said that Madagascar should be the first stop in the eastern ocean. From there, sailors could reach Calicut.
Life in Ethiopia
José Sapateiro returned to Portugal with Covilhã's valuable report. Covilhã, along with Abraham of Beja, visited Aden and Ormuz again. He left the rabbi there and continued his journey. He visited Jeddah, a main port in Arabia. He even traveled to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Finally, he went through Mount Sinai, El-Tor, and across the Red Sea. He reached Zeila and then traveled inland to the court of Prester John in Ethiopia.
A Warm Welcome, But No Return
In Ethiopia, Emperor Eskender welcomed Covilhã with great honor. He was given land and titles. However, the Emperor would not let him leave. Later emperors also refused to let Covilhã go home.
According to a traveler named James Bruce, Covilhã kept in touch with the Portuguese king. He described Ethiopia as a "very populous" country, full of "powerful and rich" cities.
In 1507, a Portuguese priest named João Gomes joined Covilhã. He had reached Ethiopia by way of Socotra. In 1520, a large Portuguese group arrived in Ethiopia. It included Ethiopian ambassador Mateus and missionary Francisco Álvares. Covilhã cried with joy when he saw his fellow countrymen. It had been 40 years since he left Portugal. He had been held in Ethiopia for over 30 years.
Álvares, who knew Covilhã well, praised his ability to describe things vividly. He also admired Covilhã's amazing knowledge of many languages. These included languages spoken by Christians, Muslims, and other groups. Covilhã was very helpful as an interpreter for the Portuguese group. He was treated well in Ethiopia, but he was never allowed to leave before he died.
Pêro da Covilhã's Legacy
Pêro da Covilhã traveled extensively across many modern-day countries. These include Spain, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, India, Mozambique, Iran, Eritrea, and Ethiopia.
His long journeys, along with the sea voyages of Bartolomeu Dias, were very important. They helped prepare the way for future Portuguese expeditions. The most famous was Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India in 1497.
Covilhã's arrival in Ethiopia also marked the beginning of relations between Portugal and Ethiopia. This led to Portugal being asked to help Ethiopia in the Ethiopian–Adal war in 1541. The Portuguese presence also brought Jesuit missionaries to Ethiopia. They tried to convert people to Catholicism, but with mixed success.
From their base in Fremona, the Jesuits converted two Ethiopian Emperors in the 17th century. However, this led to many rebellions against Catholic rule. After Emperor Susenyos I stepped down in 1631, the Jesuits were expelled. This caused Ethiopia to have little contact with Europe for several centuries.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro de Covillana para niños
