Emanuel I.

Emanuel I., king of Portugal, styled THE GREAT, or THE FORTUNATE, was born 31st May 1469, and succeeded John II. in 1495. His reign has been termed the golden age of Portugal. He prepared the code of laws which bears his name, and made his court a centre of chivalry, of art, and of science. Vasco da Gama's voyage round the Cape of Good Hope, Cabral's discovery of Brazil, and the expeditions under Albuquerque and others that extended the Portuguese possessions as far as the Moluccas, were all commissioned and encouraged by Emanuel. Through his exertions Portugal became the first naval power of Europe and the centre of the commerce of the world. He died 13th December 1521.