---
title: Map of the Portuguese Colonial Empire
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14123/map-of-the-portuguese-colonial-empire/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2025-08-01
---

# Map of the Portuguese Colonial Empire

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![Map of the Portuguese Colonial Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14123.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14123.png)

## Image Caption

This map illustrates the rise and global reach of the [Portuguese Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Portuguese_Empire/), the first and longest-lived of [Europe](https://www.worldhistory.org/europe/)’s overseas empires. Initiated in the 15th century, Portugal's expansion was driven by a desire to control [trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/) routes to the East Indies. The [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) began with military ventures beyond the Iberian Peninsula and evolved into a vast maritime network stretching across [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/), Asia, and South America.

The [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) of Ceuta in 1415 marked the symbolic beginning of Portugal’s empire-building, extending the [Reconquista](https://www.worldhistory.org/Reconquista/) spirit into North Africa. Portuguese navigators, aided by advances in cartography and seamanship, explored the Atlantic islands and coast of West Africa. By 1488, they had rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and in 1498 [Vasco da Gama](https://www.worldhistory.org/Vasco_da_Gama/) reached [India](https://www.worldhistory.org/india/), establishing a sea route to the lucrative spice markets. Though Brazil declared independence in 1822, Portugal maintained overseas holdings—including Angola, Mozambique, Goa, and Macau—well into the 20th century. The empire formally ended with the handover of Macau to [China](https://www.worldhistory.org/china/) in 1999, capping nearly 600 years of maritime empire.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2021, May 29). Map of the Portuguese Colonial Empire. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14123/map-of-the-portuguese-colonial-empire/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Portuguese Colonial Empire." *World History Encyclopedia*, May 29, 2021. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14123/map-of-the-portuguese-colonial-empire/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Portuguese Colonial Empire." *World History Encyclopedia*, 29 May 2021, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14123/map-of-the-portuguese-colonial-empire/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 29 May 2021. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.