Portuguese traders

Portuguese traders were merchants from Portugal, especially prominent during the Age of Discovery in the 15th to 17th centuries. They explored new sea routes, establishing a global trade network that connected Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Notably, they traded spices, sugar, gold, and slaves, often setting up colonies and trading posts. Significant figures like Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator led these explorations, allowing Portugal to become a major maritime power. Their efforts laid the groundwork for global trade and cultural exchanges, influencing economies and societies around the world.