Francisco de Almeida

First Viceroy of Portuguese India (1505-1509). Established Portuguese dominance over the Indian Ocean by destroying the Ottoman-Mamluk fleet at the Battle of Diu (1509). Killed by Khoikhoi warriors at the Cape of Good Hope on his return voyage. His blue water strategy, controlling the sea lanes rather than territory, defined Portuguese imperial expansion.

• Lived: 1450 CE – 1510 CE
• Nationality: Portuguese
• Roles: military commander, viceroy, navigator

Related

• The Age of Exploration