On March 9, 1500, 13 ships from Pedro Álvares Cabral’s expedition left Lisbon, taking 1,500 men with them. There were three caravels (smaller and agile ships, with up to 50 tons) and ten ships (with up to 250 tons and capacity for 200 people). In addition to size, the main difference was the shape of the sails. The caravel was the asset that made Portugal a maritime power until the 18th century. It was light, changed direction with agility, sailed quickly against the wind and came closer to the coast than larger ships. Another important factor for Portuguese naval dominance was the use of caravels armed with cannons.
– (Alexandre Jubran/)
Bored by the trip (about a month and a half to Brazil), the sailors created hobbies. The favorites were gambling, such as card and dice games. The priests, responsible for maintaining morale on board, monitored gambling, celebrated masses and cared for the sick, since there were no doctors. The barbers, who trimmed the sailors’ hair and beards, helped the priests in caring for the sick. (1)
Only the most seniors had the luxury of a room and a bed. Sailors slept under the stern castle, the tallest structure on the ship. As not many people could fit there, the way was to sleep on deck, in the open air, on fragile straw mattresses. Holds were reserved for storing water, supplies and ammunition. (two)
The menu was to die for. The main item was crackers and hard salt (600 g daily). The ration also included 1.5 liters of water and 1.5 liters of wine per day and 15 kg of meat per month. It is estimated that 5,000 calories a day would be needed under these conditions, but the food on the ships only provided 3,500. (3)
– (Alexandre Jubran/)
Dirt reigned. As there were no bathrooms, the needs were done at sea or in the holds. Rats infested the ships and transmitted diseases. The lack of showers also contributed to making hygiene on board dire. No wonder, of the 1,500 people who boarded, only 500 returned to Portugal alive. (4)
Food and hygiene conditions were precarious and harmful. The lack of vitamin C caused scurvy, a disease that causes loss of teeth, healing difficulties, anemia and bleeding. Contact with animals on board caused diarrhea and lice. The most frequent ailments were nausea and vomiting. The punishment for those who did not comply with the rules on ships was to stay in the hold, removing the water that entered through the bottom of the vessel. (5)
Cabral’s voyage was the first to systematically use the astrolabe. Similar to a small wheel, the device measures the height of the Sun at noon, that of the stars at night and provides the latitude (position on the Earth’s north-south axis). On the other hand, the measurement of longitude (position on the east-west axis) has never been accurate. (6)
Cabral was the captain-general of the armada, but each ship had a commander, who did not need to be an expert in navigation. The captains were people close to the Portuguese court and the king, Dom Manuel. The function was ceremonial and diplomatic. Who led the ships were the pilots, who mastered maps, navigation instruments and winds. In addition to sailors and nobles, there were clerks, recording everything. The most famous, Pero Vaz de Caminha, reported the discovery of Brazil to King Manuel. (7)