_ 7 _ Introduction to Volume Two This volume covers the events of the year 1507. The trade conducted by the Portuguese fleets was costly due to the long distance from India to Europe via the Cape of Good Hope. Moreover, it was fraught with the dangers of the Nau phenomenon-violent winds and turbulent seas in the oceans. In contrast, other trade routes, such as those passing through the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean, or through the Red Sea and into the Mediterranean, were much calmer than the open oceans. Futhermore, these alternative routes were significantly shorter in distance to Europe compared to the Cape of Good Hope. The goods transported through the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea were also more economical than those shipped via the Cape of Good Hope, leading to a decline in the demand for Portuguese merchandise. As a result, the King of Portugal ordered the commander Afonso de
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