Manuel I of Portugal

Reign: 1495 – 1521
Life: 1469–1521

He was known as the Fortunate. A member of the House of Aviz, Manuel was Duke of Beja and Viseu prior to succeeding his cousin, John II of Portugal, as monarch. His sponsorship of Vasco da Gama led to the Portuguese discovery of the sea route to India in 1498, resulting in the creation of the Portuguese India Armadas, which guaranteed Portugal's monopoly on the spice trade. Manuel began the Portuguese colonization of the Americas and Portuguese India, and oversaw the establishment of a vast trade empire across Africa and Asia.

During Manuel I of Portugal's reign, Bayezid II ruled Ottoman Empire, Henry VII of England ruled England, and Emperor Go-Kashiwabara ruled Japan.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire by Roger Crowley

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

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From the library

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Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire

Roger Crowley

Crowley on the age of da Gama and Albuquerque, Manuel I's reign at the height of Portuguese power.

Find this book on Amazon

Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.

Manuel I of Portugal

The World During Their Reign

Meanwhile in history

Go deeper on Manuel I of Portugal

Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire

Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire

A History of Portugal and the Portuguese Empire