The Portuguese Empire was a colonial empire that existed between 1415 and 1999. It ushered in the European Age of Discovery, historically pioneering and preceding every other Modern European Colonial Empire, including the runner-up Castile (Spain). It achieved a global scale, controlling vast portions of the Americas, Africa and various islands in Asia and Oceania. It was one of the most powerful empires of the early modern period, while at its greatest extent in 1820, covering 5.5 million square km (2.1 million square miles), making it among the largest empires in history.
Portuguese expedition under King John I attacks the Moroccan city of Ceuta and takes it a day later, beginning Portugues
Portuguese expedition under King John I attacks the Moroccan city of Ceuta and takes it a day later, beginning Portuguese overseas expansion [1]
Historical Significance
The Portuguese Empire was a colonial empire that existed between 1415 and 1999.
Events Before
Battle of Harlaw, one of the bloodiest battles in Scotland, takes place
Battle of Harlaw, one of the bloodiest battles in Scotland, takes place
The Medici family is appointed official banker of the Papacy
The Medici family is appointed official banker of the Papacy
Joan of Arc is born
Joan of Arc, French folk heroine and saint, known for french folk heroine and saint, was born on 1412-01-06.
King Ladislaw of Naples occupies Rome
King Ladislaw of Naples occupies Rome
Council of Constance (16th ecumenical council) opens
The Council of Constance (Latin: Concilium Constantiense; German: Konzil von Konstanz) was an ecumenical council of the Catholic Church that was held from 1414 to 1418 in the Bishopric of Constance...
Events After
Battle of Gallipoli: The Venetian fleet under Commander Pietro Loredan defeat and capture a large part of the Ottoman fl
Battle of Gallipoli: The Venetian fleet under Commander Pietro Loredan defeat and capture a large part of the Ottoman fleet off the Gallipoli port
Jerome of Prague burned at the stake for heresy by church Council of Constance
Jerome of Prague (Czech: Jeroným Pražský; Latin: Hieronymus Pragensis; 1379 – 30 May 1416) was a Czech scholastic philosopher and theologian.
Jacoba of Bavaria becomes countess of Holland/Zealand/Henegouwen
Jacoba of Bavaria becomes countess of Holland/Zealand/Henegouwen
Oddo Colonna elected as Pope Martinus V
Pope Martin V (Latin: Martinus V; Italian: Martino V; January/February 1369 – 20 February 1431), born Oddone Colonna, was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 11...
Jacqueline, Countess of Haintaut marries her cousin John IV Duke of Brabant in The Hague
Jacqueline, Countess of Haintaut marries her cousin John IV Duke of Brabant in The Hague
More from the 1410s
The Medici family is appointed official banker of the Papacy
The Medici family is appointed official banker of the Papacy
Jacqueline, Countess of Haintaut marries her cousin John IV Duke of Brabant in The Hague
Jacqueline, Countess of Haintaut marries her cousin John IV Duke of Brabant in The Hague
Future Alfonso V of Aragon marries his cousin Maria (14), daughter of Henry III of Castile at the Cathedral of Valencia
Future Alfonso V of Aragon marries his cousin Maria (14), daughter of Henry III of Castile at the Cathedral of Valencia
Battle of Grunwald (First Battle of Tannenburg, Battle of Žalgiris), one of Medieval Europe's largest battles during the
Battle of Grunwald (First Battle of Tannenburg, Battle of Žalgiris), one of Medieval Europe's largest battles during the Polish-Lithuanian Teutonic War. Polish King Władysław Jagiełło and Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautas defeat Teutonic Ulrich von Jungingen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 21, 1415?
- The Portuguese Empire was a colonial empire that existed between 1415 and 1999. It ushered in the European Age of Discovery, historically pioneering and preceding every other Modern European Colonial Empire, including the runner-up Castile (Spain). It achieved a global scale, controlling vast portions of the Americas, Africa and various islands in Asia and Oceania.
- Why is Portuguese expedition under King John I attacks the Moroccan city of Ceuta an... significant?
- The Portuguese Empire was a colonial empire that existed between 1415 and 1999.