What did Bartholomew Diaz do and why?

Bartholomew Diaz (Portugese spelling Bartolomeu Dias; c. 1451 - May 29, 1500), Portugese nobleman and explorer, was the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa and discover the Cape of Good Hope in 1488.

He went on this exploration at the command of King John II of Portugal under threat of execution.

His purpose was to find a trade route to India and also to find the legendary lands ruled by Prester John.

Later, in 1500, Diaz was part of the expedition that first discovered Brazil while acting as captain under another Portugese nobleman Pedro Álvares Cabral.