HistoNaijaOpen the map

Europeans by sea · 1472 – early 16th century

The Portuguese reach the coast

The first Europeans to reach the coast of what is now Nigeria were Portuguese sailors.

See it on the old map

Overview

The first Europeans to reach the coast of what is now Nigeria were Portuguese sailors. Rui de Sequeira sailed into the Bight of Benin in 1472 and named the lagoon at Eko Lago de Curamo, from which Lagos takes its name. In about 1485 João Afonso de Aveiro came up the creeks to Ughoton, Benin's port, and on to Benin City. Benin and Portugal built a strong trade: the Edo sold ivory, pepper, palm oil and captives for manillas and guns, and in the early 16th century the Oba sent an ambassador to Lisbon while Portugal sent missionaries to Benin City.[3],[1],[2],[4]Medium confidence

Who took part

What happened

  1. 1472 · Eko (Lagos)

    Lago de Curamo

    Rui de Sequeira sails into the Bight of Benin and names the lagoon around Eko Lago de Curamo. The name Lagos is Portuguese for lakes.[1],[2]Medium confidence

  2. c. 1485 · Ughoton (Gwato)

    Portuguese ships at Ughoton

    João Afonso de Aveiro reaches Ughoton, the port of Benin, and goes on to the Oba's court: the first documented Portuguese visit to Benin.[3],[2],[4]Medium confidence

  3. From c. 1485 · Benin City

    Trade with Benin

    The Edo trade ivory, pepper, palm oil and captives for European manillas and guns. Some people in Benin City still spoke a pidgin Portuguese in the late 19th century.[3],[4]Medium confidence

  4. Early 16th century · Benin City

    An ambassador to Lisbon

    The Oba sends an ambassador to Lisbon, and the king of Portugal sends Christian missionaries to Benin City.[3]Medium confidence

Kingdoms involved

Sources

Every claim carries a confidence level: high (well attested), medium (one source or approximate) or disputed (sources disagree).

  1. Wikipedia contributors. History of Lagos (cited elsewhere, not yet checked directly)
  2. Portuguese Establish a Foothold in Africa. EBSCO Research Starters
  3. Wikipedia contributors. Kingdom of Benin
  4. Ryder, A. F. C. (1969). Benin and the Europeans, 1485–1897. Longmans, London (cited elsewhere, not yet checked directly)