born 1467/68, Belmonte, Port.
died 1520, Santarém?
Portuguese navigator credited with the discovery of Brazil.
A nobleman, Cabral long enjoyed the favour of Manuel I of Portugal, who in 1500 sent him and 13 ships on the second Portuguese voyage to India, following the route taken by Vasco da Gama , to strengthen commercial ties and further Portugal's conquests. Cabral sailed southwest on a route that took him close to lands that had previously been sighted and claimed by the Portuguese. On April 22, 1500, he landed on the coast of what is now Brazil and formally took possession of the country for Portugal. The rest of his journey to India and back was beset by misfortune; only four ships returned to Portugal.