Pêro da Covilhã was a Portuguese explorer and diplomat who is best known for his travels to the East in the late 15th century. He was born in Covilhã, Portugal in 1460 and was the son of a local nobleman. He was educated in Lisbon and became a diplomat for the Portuguese court.
In 1487, Pêro da Covilhã was sent on a diplomatic mission to the court of the Sultan of Egypt. He was tasked with negotiating a trade agreement between Portugal and Egypt. During his stay in Egypt, he also visited Jerusalem and Damascus. He was the first European to visit these cities and to gain an understanding of the Islamic world.
In 1488, Pêro da Covilhã was sent on a second mission to the court of the Sultan of Egypt. This time, he was tasked with negotiating a trade agreement between Portugal and Ethiopia. He was the first European to visit Ethiopia and to gain an understanding of the Ethiopian culture.
In 1490, Pêro da Covilhã was sent on a third mission to the court of the Sultan of Egypt. This time, he was tasked with negotiating a trade agreement between Portugal and India. He was the first European to visit India and to gain an understanding of the Indian culture.
In 1493, Pêro da Covilhã was sent on a fourth mission to the court of the Sultan of Egypt. This time, he was tasked with negotiating a trade agreement between Portugal and China. He was the first European to visit China and to gain an understanding of the Chinese culture.
In 1494, Pêro da Covilhã was sent on a fifth mission to the court of the Sultan of Egypt. This time, he was tasked with negotiating a trade agreement between Portugal and the Ottoman Empire. He was the first European to visit the Ottoman Empire and to gain an understanding of the Ottoman culture.
In 1495, Pêro da Covilhã returned to Portugal and wrote a book about his travels. The book, titled “The Travels of Pêro da Covilhã”, was an important source of information about the Islamic world and the cultures of the East.
Pêro da Covilhã’s travels and writings were instrumental in opening up the East to European exploration and trade. His work helped to establish the Portuguese Empire and to spread the influence of the Catholic Church in the East. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in the Age of Exploration.
Pêro da Covilhã died in 1528 in Lisbon, Portugal. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in the Age of Exploration and his legacy lives on in the many books and articles written about him. He is remembered as a brave explorer and diplomat who helped to open up the East to European exploration and trade.