The Cape Verde (Portuguese 'Cabo Verde') islands were discovered between 1455 and 1461. (Remember that Columbus discovered the American continents, thirty years later, in 1492.) The credit generally goes to de Noli, Gomes and Diogo Afonso.The oldest map with the islands included, was made in year 1468 by Benincasa. Just some dots in a corner. Nothing fancy. Source: here.
The first real recognizable map dates from 1598 by Langenes. Throughout the 1500s ship supply (water and food) was the islands' great function. In those years Santiago was the main island with Ribeira Grande as the capital. Next to water and food for ships, the islands produced "seasoned" slaves and cotton.
In 1712 the French robbed Ribeira Grande of all its riches.
After the abolishing of slavery - 1854 as business and 1876 private - Cape Verde became the place of exile for Portuguese thieves and political dissidents.
In the 20th century São Vincente became the chief commercial centre. Not fertile Santiago.
300 year Cape Verde maps resumed:
Is the history of Cape Verde reflected on the maps? I couldn't find any proof of slavery on the maps. Can you?
Map 1. 1598 Langenes Barent. Source: here.
Map 2. 1640-1660 Anonymous. Source: here.
Map 3. 1662 Blaeu J. Source: here.
Map 4. 1683 Mallet Allain Manesson. Source: here.
Map 5. 1684 Ioannes Van Keulen. Source: here.
Map 6. 1691 Coronelli. Source: here.
Map 7. 1745 Roberts. Source: here.
Map 8. 1746 Bellin Jacques Nicolas. Source: here.
Map 9. 1749 Vaugondy. Source: here.
Map 10. 1765 Bellin. Source: here.
Map 11. 1780-1790 Bonne Rigobert. Source: here.
Map 12. 1788 Jefferys. Source: here.
Map 13. 1823 Fielding. Source: here.
Map 14. 1827 Vandermaelen. Source: here.
Map 15. 1827 Letts. Source: here.
Map 16. 1844 Lopes. Source: here.
Map 17. 1911 Encyclopaedia Brittannica. Source: here.
P.S. I can look and study for hours on maps like these. Surprised?
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