The Conquerors

Historian Roger Crowley tells us how Portugal built a great European maritime empire, giving rise to the first global economy. In an exciting and solidly documented narrative, which balances the human aspect with geopolitical and religious dimensions, the acclaimed author addresses Portugal's maritime supremacy, with the discovery of the sea route to India at its core, the victories over Muslim rulers and the dominance of the spice trade, revealing the extent of the Portuguese empire and bringing to life figures such as D. Manuel I, D. João II, Afonso de Albuquerque and Vasco da Gama. The essential and updated account of how one of Europe's smallest and poorest nations set in motion the forces of globalisation that shape the world today. A work that will introduce Portuguese readers to their own history from the perspective of a foreign researcher.

Available in English