What was the significance of the expedition led by Bartholomew Dias
The expedition led by Bartholomew Dias was significant for several reasons:
1. It was the first European expedition to round the southern tip of Africa, now known as the Cape of Good Hope, proving that it was possible to sail from Europe to the Indian Ocean by circumnavigating Africa.
2. The expedition opened up a new sea route to the East, bypassing the overland trade routes through the Middle East and allowing for easier access to the valuable spices and other goods of Asia.
3. The expedition laid the groundwork for future Portuguese exploration and colonization in Africa and Asia, paving the way for the establishment of the Portuguese Empire.
4. Dias' exploration of the southern African coast helped to expand European knowledge of the geography of the region and paved the way for future explorers, including Vasco da Gama, who would ultimately reach India by sea in 1498.
Overall, the expedition led by Bartholomew Dias played a crucial role in the Age of Discovery and had a lasting impact on European exploration and trade in the Indian Ocean region.