Portuguese Exploration and King John II's Ambitions

This chapter discusses Portugal's lead in exploration in the early 1400s, led by Prince Henry the Navigator. It mentions the various discoveries made by Portuguese explorers along the western coast of Africa, including the Gold Coast and the mouth of the Congo River. The chapter also introduces King John II, who had a strong interest in finding a route to India and reaching the legendary Prester John. King John's plan involved multiple expeditions, both by sea and overland, and he appointed Bartholomew Diaz to lead the next expedition down the African coast.