Cristóvão Jacques was a Portuguese explorer and navigator who was born in the late 15th century. He is best known for his exploration of the African coast and his role in the establishment of the Portuguese trading post of São Jorge da Mina (Elmina Castle) in present-day Ghana.
Jacques was born in the Portuguese city of Lisbon in 1450. He was the son of a wealthy merchant and was educated in the city’s universities. He was a skilled navigator and was hired by the Portuguese government to explore the African coast. In 1482, he was sent on an expedition to explore the African coast and to find a suitable location for a trading post.
Jacques sailed along the African coast and eventually reached the Gold Coast, where he established the trading post of São Jorge da Mina. The post was established in 1482 and was the first Portuguese trading post in Africa. It was also the first European trading post in the region. The post was used to trade gold, ivory, and slaves.
Jacques was also involved in the exploration of the African interior. He explored the Niger River and the Congo River and was the first European to reach the Kingdom of Kongo. He also explored the area around the Congo River and was the first European to reach the Kingdom of Benin.
Jacques was also involved in the establishment of other Portuguese trading posts in Africa. He helped to establish the trading post of São Tomé in 1485 and the trading post of São João Baptista de Ajudá in 1486. He also helped to establish the trading post of São Jorge da Mina in 1487.
Jacques was also involved in the exploration of the Indian Ocean. He sailed to India in 1488 and was the first European to reach the island of Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka). He also explored the coast of India and was the first European to reach the island of Madagascar.
Jacques died in 1490, but his legacy lives on. He was an important figure in the history of Portuguese exploration and colonization of Africa and the Indian Ocean. He helped to establish the Portuguese trading posts in Africa and was the first European to reach the Kingdom of Kongo and the island of Ceylon. His explorations helped to open up the African continent to European trade and colonization. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of Portuguese exploration and colonization.