The Portuguese Empire (1415 - 20th Century)

The Portuguese Empire was the first global maritime empire, pioneering the Age of Exploration. Beginning with the conquest of Ceuta in 1415, it established a vast network of trading posts and colonies from Brazil to Africa, India, and Macau. Its dominance was built on advanced navigation and naval power, controlling lucrative spice and slave trades. However, competition from rival European powers, the costly burden of maintaining overseas territories, and eventual decolonization led to its gradual decline over centuries.