Portuguese Empire

The Portuguese Empire was one of the first global empires, emerging in the 15th century during the Age of Discovery. It expanded primarily through maritime exploration, establishing trade routes and colonies across Africa, Asia, and South America. Key locations included Brazil, Angola, and Goa, which were vital for trade in spices, sugar, and slaves. The empire reached its peak in the 16th century but began to decline due to competition, wars, and independence movements. It officially ended in the 20th century, but Portugal's cultural and language influence persists in many countries today.