Diaz

Diaz, or DIAS, BARTOLOMEU, a Portuguese navigator of noble birth who flourished during the latter half of the 15th century. His residence at the court of King John II. brought him into contact with many scientific men, among others the German cosmographer Behaim (q.v.). Diaz took a great interest in geographical discovery, and in August 1486 the king gave him the command of two vessels with a view to following up the discoveries already made by Portuguese adventurers on the west coast of Africa. Diaz soon reached the limit which had been attained in South Atlantic navigation, and first touched land in 26° S. lat. Driven by a violent storm, he sailed round the southern extremity of Africa (see CAPE OF GOOD HOPE) without immediately realising the fact, and discovered Algoa Bay. The discontent of his crew compelled him sorrowfully to return; and arriving in Lisbon, December 1487, he was at first greeted with enthusiasm, but soon saw Vasco da Gama preferred before him, and was compelled to act under the latter in the grand expedition of 1497. Vasco da Gama even sent him back to Portugal after they had reached the Cape Verd Isles. Three years after, he joined the expedition of Cabral, the discoverer of Brazil, but was lost in a storm, 29th May 1500.