Portuguese Exploration of the African Coast

Timeline

1. 1455–1456Senegal River mouth · SenegalVenetian-born navigator Alvise Cadamosto, funded by Portugal, sailed to the Senegal and Gambia rivers between 1455 and 1456, made contact with local rulers, and recorded the trade networks and products of the West African interior, an important milestone in European systematic survey of these waters.
2. 1456–1458Cape Verde islands · Cape Verde islandsPortuguese navigator Diogo Gomes reached the waters near the Cape Verde islands around 1456, further confirming the islands' location and incorporating them into Portuguese charts. Prince Henry died in 1460, but the navigation school he had promoted continued to produce long-distance voyage results throughout the decade.