Pedro de Sintra facts for kids

Pedro de Sintra, also known as Pêro de Sintra, was a brave Portuguese explorer. He was one of the first Europeans to travel along the coast of West Africa. Around the year 1462, his journey led him to the land we now call Sierra Leone.

Exploring West Africa

Pedro de Sintra and his crew reached the coast of what is now Sierra Leone in 1462. It is thought that he named this area. However, some historians, like Professor C. Magbaily Fyle, suggest that the name "Serra Lyoa" might have been used even before 1462. This means the real person who named Sierra Leone might still be a mystery!

If Pedro de Sintra did name the area, people aren't sure why. Some say the coastal mountains looked like a lion's teeth. Others believe the loud thunderstorms sounded like a lion's roar. In the 16th century, English sailors called the area "Sierra Leoa." This name later changed to "Sierra Leone" in the 17th century. The British officially adopted the name Sierra Leone in 1787, before they started a colony there.

Journey to the Kingdom of Benin

After exploring Sierra Leone, Pedro de Sintra continued his journey. His expedition sailed further along the coast, reaching what is now Nigeria. Here, they found the powerful Kingdom of Benin.

Pedro de Sintra was very impressed by what he saw in Benin. He wrote that the streets were wide and clean, unlike anything he had seen in Europe. He also noted that the people were well dressed.

See also

In Spanish: Pedro da Cintra para niños