Lisbon

Definition

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal, located on the western coast of the country along the Atlantic Ocean. It served as a crucial hub for the Portuguese Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries, where expeditions set sail for new trade routes and territories. The city became a center for commerce, navigation, and cultural exchange, playing a vital role in establishing Portugal's colonial empire and shaping global trade networks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lisbon was a leading port city that facilitated trade with Africa, Asia, and South America, significantly boosting Portugal's economy during the Age of Exploration.
2. The city's strategic location made it an ideal starting point for exploratory voyages, including those led by famous explorers like Vasco da Gama.
3. Lisbon experienced a catastrophic earthquake in 1755 that caused widespread destruction but also led to urban renewal and modernization efforts.
4. During the Age of Exploration, Lisbon became home to important institutions like the Casa da Índia, which managed overseas trade and colonial affairs.
5. The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, which divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal, was heavily influenced by Lisbon's role in global exploration.

Review Questions

• How did Lisbon's geographic location contribute to its role as a center for exploration during the Portuguese Age of Exploration?
  • Lisbon's strategic position on the western coast of Portugal, near major oceanic trade routes, made it an ideal launching point for explorations. The proximity to the Atlantic allowed for easy access to new territories in Africa and the Americas, while also facilitating trade with Asia. This advantageous location not only bolstered Lisbon's economic significance but also positioned it at the forefront of maritime exploration efforts.
• In what ways did Lisbon influence Portuguese maritime trade during the Age of Exploration?
  • Lisbon was integral to Portuguese maritime trade as it served as the primary port for goods from various overseas colonies. It was where traders gathered to exchange commodities like spices, gold, and sugar. The establishment of institutions such as the Casa da Índia in Lisbon helped manage this booming trade and allowed Portugal to dominate global markets during this era. This influence extended beyond economics; it also shaped cultural exchanges between Europe and newly encountered civilizations.
• Evaluate the impact of Lisbon on global trade patterns during the Age of Exploration and how this laid groundwork for future economic systems.
  • Lisbon's emergence as a commercial hub during the Age of Exploration fundamentally altered global trade patterns. By facilitating direct sea routes to Asia and the Americas, it shifted European economic focus towards maritime commerce over traditional land-based trade. This transition led to the establishment of a network of trade routes that would continue to evolve into modern global capitalism. Furthermore, Lisbon's role helped create systems of mercantilism that prioritized national wealth through colonization and trade, laying essential groundwork for future economic systems.

Related terms

Age of Discovery:

A period from the 15th to the 17th century marked by European exploration and the establishment of overseas colonies.

Maritime Trade: The exchange of goods and services via sea routes, which was essential for the economic expansion during the Age of Exploration.

Torre de Belém: A historic tower in Lisbon that served as a fortress and symbol of Portugal's maritime power during the Age of Exploration.