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Lançarote de Freitas

Type Figure Region Portugal Time 1401–1450 Also known as Lançarote de Freitas、Lanzerote de Freitas、Lançarote Piazoto、Lançarote de Lagos

Lançarote de Freitas was a 15th-century Portuguese navigator and merchant, an important figure in the Lagos navigation-commercial circle.…

Timeline

  1. 1435–1440Lagos · LagosFreitas was active in the Atlantic exploration and commercial network organized by Prince Henry in Lagos, participating in voyages down the African coast and toward the islands using his own or chartered ships, combining the dual roles of explorer and merchant.
  2. 1443Lanzarote · LanzaroteFreitas led six ships on an expedition to the island of Lanzarote in the Canaries, capturing large numbers of indigenous people (Guanches) and taking them back to Portugal to be sold as slaves. This action was the famous 'Lanzarote raid,' marking the beginning of Portuguese slave trade in the archipelago, and also gave the island the name Lanzarote.

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