The Portuguese colonial empire was the first global empire in history beginning in the 15th century. Key dates included Henry the Navigator reaching Cape Vert in 1415 and Bartolomeo Diaz reaching the Cape of Good Hope in 1488, unlocking the route to India. Treaties like the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 and Treaty of Zaragoza in 1529 divided the world between Portugal and Spain. Portugal's empire grew through explorers like Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral, and victories over other powers seeking control in places like India and Brazil. At its peak, Portugal's wealthy empire included Brazil and territories in Africa, Asia, and North America, but it began disintegr

1. Portuguese colonial empire Lucie Pultrová, Michala Kropáčková

2. An anachronous map of the Portuguese Empire (1415-1999). Red - actual possessions Olive – explorations Orange - areas of influence and trade Pink – claims of sovereignty Green - trading posts Blue - main sea explorations, routes and areas of influence.

7. Treaty of Tordesillas 1494 Spanish part Portuguese part

9. Treaty of Zaragoza 1529 Portuguese part Spanish part