5th Portuguese India Armada (Albuquerque, 1503) Cape Verde, the first squadron of Afonso de Albuquerque struck out into the south Atlantic, following the South Atlantic Gyre. Along the way, Albuquerque came across Ascension Island. Although the island had already been discovered back in 1501 by the Third Armada of João da Nova (and named "ilha da Conceição" then), Albuquerque renamed it "ilha da Ascensão" on account of it being Ascension Day (May 21), the name that has since stuck. Strong south-westerly winds pushed them towards the coast of Brazil, where Albuquerque made a brief stop to take on water (exactly where is uncertain), before making his
Afonso Sanches, Lord of Albuquerque Afonso Sanches, Lord of Albuquerque Afonso Sanches, Lord of Albuquerque (1289-1329; also known as Alfonso Sanches) was a Medieval nobleman, Lord of Cerva and Alburquerque. Born in Portugal, he was the firstborn and favorite son of King Denis of Portugal and Aldonça Rodrigues Talha. Afonso was married to Teresa Martins Telo, daughter of João Afonso Telo, the first count of Barcelos, and of Teresa Sánchez, an illegitimate daughter of Sancho IV the Brave, king of Castile and León.. He was the half brother of Afonso IV. They were the parents of João Afonso de Albuquerque. Afonso and his wife Teresa