The expedition that fundamentally reshaped Portuguese maritime strategy departed from Santarém on May 7, 1487. Tasked by King John II of Portugal to locate spice markets and evaluate navigation in the Indian Ocean, Pêro da Covilhã successfully scouted the vital trade networks of Africa and India, transforming Lisbon into a central hub for global intelligence and geography.
Early Service and Intelligence Gathering
Before his major commissions, Covilhã served under Afonso V and John II of Portugal after a period of employment in Castile. His linguistic proficiency in Arabic and Castilian made him an asset for undercover negotiations in Morocco. In 1487, he and Afonso de Paiva were briefed by advisors and given a map based on the work of Fra Mauro to assist their journey. The pair utilized honey as a cover for their merchant identities while traveling through Egypt.
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After parting ways with Paiva in Aden, Covilhã traveled to Calicut to investigate the spice trade, specifically cinnamon, pepper, and cloves. He moved through Goa, Ormuz, and the east coast of Africa, reaching as far south as Sofala. By 1491, he had returned to Cairo with detailed records regarding monsoon winds, ocean currents, and harbor facilities, effectively outlining the maritime path for future Portuguese voyages to India.
Life in the Ethiopian Empire
Upon failing to return to Portugal, Covilhã visited Mecca and Medina before entering Ethiopia. He was received by Emperor Eskender and subsequently restricted from leaving the region. He remained in the Ethiopian Empire for over forty years, serving as a diplomat and interpreter. In 1520, he met with a Portuguese embassy led by Rodrigo de Lima, where he provided detailed accounts of his experiences before his death in 1530.
Fast facts
- Born: 1450, Covilhã
- Died: 1530, Ethiopian Empire
- Nationality: Kingdom of Portugal
- Occupation: Diplomat and Explorer
- Expedition start date: 7 May 1487
- Key visited locations: Calicut, Ormuz, Sofala, Mecca, Ethiopia
Questions readers ask
Why did Pêro da Covilhã never return to Portugal?
Although he intended to return, the Emperor of Ethiopia refused to grant him permission to depart, holding him as a state prisoner for the remainder of his life.
What was the primary goal of his 1487 mission?
He was commissioned to discover the land of Prester John and to identify the locations of cinnamon and spice trade routes.
Achievements
- Recorded as explorer and diplomat
