Treaty of Alcaçovas

The Treaty of Alcaçovas, signed in 1479, was an agreement between Portugal and Castile (now part of Spain) that ended territorial disputes following the Portuguese conquest of parts of North Africa. It established borders in the Atlantic and recognized Portuguese control over newly discovered territories, particularly in Africa. The treaty also affirmed Castile's rights to the Canary Islands. This agreement was crucial in shaping the colonial ambitions of both nations during the Age of Exploration, allowing Portugal to focus on its routes to India and Africa while Castile consolidated its power in the Canary Islands and West.