Portuguese First Europeans in Namibia

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to explore Namibia, with Diogo Cão being the first to arrive on its shores. His expedition along the west coast of Africa led him to the Skeleton Coast, where he made a brief stop. During this visit, Cão raised a limestone cross, marking his presence and the beginning of European exploration in the region. Following Cão, another notable Portuguese explorer, Bartholomeu Dias, also visited Namibia, further contributing to the European understanding of the African coastline. These early explorations were part of a broader movement during the Age of Discovery, which saw European powers seeking new trade routes and territories. The impact of these explorations was significant, as they laid the groundwork for future European interest and eventual colonization in southern Africa. The encounters initiated by these explorers would lead to profound changes in the region's social, economic, and political landscapes, influencing the indigenous populations and their interactions with European settlers.