Fernão Lopes de Castanheda
Portuguese historian whose work on India was widely translated across Europe.
Fernão Lopes de Castanheda was a Portuguese historian active during the early Renaissance. He is best known for his work on the discovery and conquest of India, which was widely translated across Europe. His writings are noted for their geographic and ethnographic detail.
Quick Facts
- Born
- c.1500
- Birthplace
- Santarém, Portugal
- Died
- 6 June 1559
- Place of death
- Coimbra, Portugal
- Occupation
- Author, bedel and archivist at University of Coimbra
- Genre
- Literature of discovery and conquest
- Subject
- History of Portuguese exploration
Facts from the source article.
Life
Castanheda was the natural son of a royal officer who served as judge in Goa. In 1528 he accompanied his father to Portuguese India and the Moluccas, remaining there for ten years. During this time he gathered information on the Portuguese discovery and conquest of India. Returning to Portugal in 1538, he faced serious economic difficulties and settled in Coimbra, where he worked as a bedel at the university.
Works
Eight of the ten books of Castanheda's História do descobrimento e conquista da Índia pelos portugueses were printed in Coimbra. The first volume appeared in 1551, with a second edition in 1554. Six more volumes were published during his lifetime and three posthumously. After the eighth volume, regent Queen D. Catarina banned the printing of the remaining two volumes under pressure from noblemen. The work was translated into French, Spanish, Italian, and English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Fernão Lopes de Castanheda born?
Fernão Lopes de Castanheda was born in Santarém, Portugal.
When did Fernão Lopes de Castanheda die?
Fernão Lopes de Castanheda died on 6 June 1559 in Coimbra, Portugal.
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