Eduqas Component 1F The voyages of discovery and conquest of the Americas, 1492–1522
By 1480 Portuguese explorers had travelled most of the way to southern Africa along the west coast, setting up trading posts along the way. They hoped to find a sea route to the Indian Ocean. In 1486 King John II of Portugal sent Bartholemew Diaz round southern Africa into the Indian Ocean to prove it was possible. Diaz sailed north heading for home, past stone markers called padraos which he had left on the journey south claiming the coast of western Africa for Portugal. Once he had returned the new king Manuel asked Diaz to prepare the next expedition which would head further into the Indian Ocean. This would be led by Vasco da Gama.
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