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There was also the incentive of making contact with the Emperor of Ethiopia, then known as the land of Prester John. Christian Portugal was looking for other Christian allies against the Muslims, & it was thought that under the rule of Prester John Ethiopia at the time was a major military power on the level of Spain or France; the truth, when a formal delegation actually reached that country in the 1520s, was far different.
– llywrch
Commented Jul 7, 2020 at 17:27
You're right. I phrased myself slightly poorly there. However, I think before Madeira no one really expected much. The situation in the 1450's already was quite different, but in the start of these expeditions, very little was expected.
– gktscrk
Commented Jul 8, 2020 at 4:15
I read your other answer as well in the linked topic, and from my understanding, trade to Ceuta somewhat dried up after Portugal conquered it. Yes, there were rumours of wealthy places to the south, but it wasn't certain that the Portuguese could get there by sea. If you have a 1410's or 1420's source to contradict this, I'd be very happy to see it. However, as I note above, the situation developed rapidly. 1440's and 1450's were an altogether different beast than the early part of that century.
– gktscrk
Commented Jul 8, 2020 at 7:51
1

the sources are wiki, and a portuguese books on the order of christ which I do not have anymore. It makes sense that trade on Ceuta become smaller after the conquest - but they only needed to know that gold and ivory in N. Africa was actually coming from the south, via Sahara caravans from some unknown coastal regions. Even very small trade, information from before the conquest, from stragglers, or from iberian mercs fighting in Africa could be enough to know this.
– Luiz
Commented Jul 8, 2020 at 14:57

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