The first European to see the stormy Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa was Bartholomew Diaz (or Dias), a courageous Portuguese sea captain and explorer. Diaz was one of the great Portuguese seamen who helped find the southeastern water route between western Europe and Asia.
As a youth Diaz entered the hazardous gold and ivory trade along the African Gold Coast and rose to the rank of captain. At this time the Italian cities were growing rich on their trade with India and the Far East. Portugal and other European nations were eager for a share of this trade. However, the Italians controlled the Mediterranean, which was the chief trade route to the East. The Portuguese dreamed of finding an all-water route around Africa. The groundwork was laid by Prince Henry, who had sent ships on voyages down the African coast. Exploration continued under his nephew, King John II. When Diego Cam (or Cao) returned to Portugal with word that he had sailed past the mouth of the Congo River, John planned to send another expedition to sail even closer to the southern end of the continent. He chose Diaz to lead the venture.
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