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Afonso de Paiva
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Afonso de Paiva

Portuguese traveler
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Quick Summary

Afonso de Paiva was a Portuguese explorer in the late 15th century. He was chosen by King John II of Portugal to undertake a mission to find Prester John, a legendary Christian ruler, and to discover a route from Guinea to Ethiopia.1

Paiva, along with fellow explorer Pêro da Covilhã, departed Portugal in May 1487. They traveled through Spain, Italy, and Rhodes before reaching Alexandria, Egypt. After falling ill and having their goods seized, they continued to Cairo and then Aden, where they separated. Paiva's mission was to reach Ethiopia, while Covilhã was tasked with traveling to India.1

Afonso de Paiva successfully reached Ethiopia, where he was well-treated by the ruler but was not permitted to leave the country. He spent the remainder of his life there.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
7 Britannica Sources
  1. Pêro da Covilhã
  2. Duarte Pacheco Pereira
  3. Portuguese literature - The literature of discovery and conquest
  4. Afonso III
  5. Afonso I
  6. Afonso IV
  7. history of Portugal: Top Questions

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