What Were Portuguese Ships Called
Portuguese ships played a crucial role in the Age of Exploration, carrying explorers and traders to distant lands. These vessels came in various types, each designed for specific purposes.
Caravel
The caravel was a small, maneuverable ship with lateen sails, ideal for exploration and coastal voyages. It was widely used by Portuguese explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan.
Nau
Larger than the caravel, the nau was a multipurpose vessel used for trade, exploration, and warfare. It featured three masts with square sails and was armed with heavy cannons.
Galley
Galleys were long, narrow ships powered by oars. They were primarily used for coastal raiding and warfare, but some were adapted for exploration.
Feitoria
Feitorias were floating trading posts used by Portuguese merchants in the East Indies. They served as hubs for trade and diplomacy, providing a base of operations for Portuguese traders.
Barque
A barque was a three-masted ship with square sails on the fore and main masts and a gaff sail on the mizzen mast. It was used for both trade and exploration.
Related Questions and Brief Answers
- What type of ship did Vasco da Gama use to reach India? Caravel
- What was the largest type of Portuguese ship? Nau
- Were galleys used for exploration? Yes, but primarily for coastal exploration
- What was the purpose of feitorias? Floating trading posts
- What type of sail was used on the mizzen mast of a barque? Gaff sail
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