Question

Choose the correct alternatives and rewrite the statements:
The first seafarer to circumnavigate the African continent was .........

• A. Henry the Navigator
• B. Marco Polo
• C. Bartholomew Dias
• D. Columbus

Hint:

Bartholomew Dias was the first to sail around the southern tip of Africa, proving the route to Asia by sea.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the question.
The question is asking for the first person to successfully navigate around the African continent. Step 2: Historical context.
- Henry the Navigator was instrumental in advancing Portuguese maritime exploration but did not circumnavigate Africa.
- Marco Polo was an explorer of Asia, not Africa.
- Bartholomew Dias was the first to successfully navigate around the southern tip of Africa (Cape of Good Hope), opening the sea route to Asia.
- Columbus was famous for discovering the Americas, not Africa. Step 3: Conclusion.
Bartholomew Dias is the correct answer as he was the first to reach the southern tip of Africa in 1488. Final Answer: \[ \boxed{ \; Bartholomew \; Dias} \]