Pêro da Covilhã

Pêro da Covilhã, born around fourteen fifty, was a notable Portuguese explorer and diplomat hailing from the town of Covilhã in Beira. His early career took him to Castile, where he served under Don Juan de Guzmán, the brother of Enrique de Guzmán, the second Duke of Medina Sidonia. However, the outbreak of war between Castile and Portugal prompted him to return to his homeland.

Upon his return, Covilhã aligned himself with the Portuguese crown, initially serving as a groom and later as a squire to King Afonso V and his successor, King John II. His dedication to the monarchy paved the way for his future endeavors in exploration.

In fourteen eighty-seven, Covilhã embarked on a significant overland expedition to India, where he sought to explore trade opportunities with both Indian and Arab merchants. His journey ultimately led him to Ethiopia, where he gathered valuable insights into the region's trade dynamics.

Covilhã's detailed reports upon his return to Lisbon were met with great interest, as they contributed to Portugal's reputation as a leading center for global geography and trade routes during the Age of Discovery.