# data[].attributes.headline
1415: The Starting Point - Conquest of Ceuta

# data[].attributes.subject
1415: The Starting Point - Conquest of Ceuta

# data[].attributes.body
The Portuguese maritime expansion began with the conquest of Ceuta in North Africa. This Muslim trading port was crucial as it gave Portugal control over one end of the trans-Saharan trade routes and marked the beginning of Portuguese maritime empire. Prince Henry the Navigator played a key role in this conquest.

# data[].attributes.body
Gil Eanes became the first European to sail beyond Cape Bojador, breaking through the psychological barrier that had previously prevented sailors from venturing further south. This achievement opened the way for further Portuguese exploration of the African coast.

# data[].attributes.body
The Portuguese established their first permanent trading post in Africa at Arguim. This fortress became a crucial point for trading gold and slaves, demonstrating the economic motivations behind Portuguese expansion.

# data[].attributes.body
Portuguese explorers discovered and began settling the Cape Verde archipelago. These islands became an important stopover point for ships heading south along the African coast.

# data[].attributes.body
Portuguese constructed the São Jorge da Mina (Elmina) Castle in present-day Ghana. This became the headquarters of Portuguese trade in West Africa and the largest European trading post in sub-Saharan Africa.

# data[].attributes.headline
1488: Bartolomeu Dias Rounds the Cape of Good Hope

# data[].attributes.subject
1488: Bartolomeu Dias Rounds the Cape of Good Hope

# data[].attributes.body
Bartolomeu Dias became the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa, naming it the Cape of Good Hope. This breakthrough proved that the Indian Ocean could be reached by sailing around Africa.

# data[].attributes.body
Vasco da Gama completed the first direct sea voyage to India, arriving in Calicut. This historic achievement established the maritime route to India and initiated a new era of Portuguese trade with Asia.

# data[].attributes.body
Vasco da Gama's triumphant return to Lisbon marked the successful completion of the maritime route to India. The spices and goods brought back proved the commercial viability of the route, leading to Portugal's dominance in the Indian Ocean trade for the next century.