The Azores were first officially settled at the beginning of the 15th century. Their discovery was thanks to the exploratory spirit of Henry the Navigator (1394-1460). He commissioned Diego de Silves to search for the end of the world. Thus, de Silves discovered Santa MariaThe islands owe their existence to volcanic activity, but their discovery to the wind. It blew de Silve's caravel off course and accidentally drifted it to... Santa MariaThey were 'mountains of fire, wind, and solitude' to the newcomers. Other captains discovered the other islands. Finally, in 1452, Flores and Corvo discovered.
The islands owe their name to the common buzzard. The explorers mistook them for hawks and gave them the Portuguese name 'açores'.
The existence of the archipelago must have been known as early as the 12th century. Maps by the Arab navigator Edirisi show six islands where the Azores are now located. These islands are known as 'ilhas de bruma' (islands of fog) because dense fog obscured Edirisi's view. A map drawn by Angelino Dulcert in 1339 also indicates islands in the Atlantic. Similarly, a map in the Atlas Mediceu from 1351 shows several islands in the middle of the Atlantic. Another Italian map by Pizigano from 1367 shows an island where... CorvoAn expedition under the Genoese-Portuguese flag reported sightings of several islands. These were presumably the Azores. However, the uninhabited islands seem to have attracted no interest. No mineral resources are suspected. Weather It is inconsistent. It was first documented in 1427 by Diogo de Silves. Santa Maria and Sao MiguelHenry the Navigator received the land as a gift from the king. Unable to administer it himself, he sent out Donat's captains. The Flemish played an important role in the settlement of the islands. They were also the ones who ensured the cultivation of pastel dyes in the early years. In the 15th century, Portuguese farmers arrived. They cleared the forests, established pastures and arable land, and founded settlements. The plants and animals imported from Europe and Asia thrived. Grain, corn, and vegetables became economically important. The supply of export goods to the mother country and the African colonies improved quickly. With the rise of dyeworks in Flanders, demand rose for dyes made from pastel and the lichen Urzela. More and more grain fields were abandoned to make way for pastel. This led to near-famine at the end of the 16th century. Eventually, the important towns were granted market rights. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Azores were the scene of major naval battles. The archipelago lies between Europe, America, and the Orient. Pirates and privateers repeatedly raided the cities. Only now did agriculture, livestock farming, and fishing truly develop. In the 18th and 19th centuries, whaling was important for the Economy of the AzoresMany families emigrated to America.
To this day, the Azores remain part of Portugal. They have their own parliament and government.
History:
1179
Founding of the Kingdom of Portugal.
1339
A map by Angelino Dulcert shows islands in the Atlantic. 1351 A nautical chart in the Atlas Mediceu shows an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic. The document is incomplete. It is probably the Azores.
1367
A map by the Italian Pizigano shows an island at the location of today's Corvo.
1427
The Portuguese Diego de Silves officially discovers in the service of the king Santa Maria and Sao MiguelHenry the Navigator had commissioned him to find the end of the world. His renowned geographical school and observatory in Sagres produced many researchers and explorers. The search for a sea route around Africa to Asia was the driving force behind Prince Henry's ambition.
1432
On Ascension Day, August 15, 1432, Goncalo Velho Cabral landed in the Azores and gave the first island the name of the day: Santa MariaLater he returns to release cattle. He survives and the islands are settled.
1439
Santa Maria The area is settled. The livestock has survived and multiplied considerably. The first settlers come from the Algarve and Madeira. A charter issued by King Afonso V on July 2, 1439, grants Henry the Navigator permission to settle the seven Azores islands known up to that point.
1444
The first settlers land on May 8th. Sao Miguel and named the island after the Archangel Michael on their feast day. They landed in Povoacao.
1452
Flores and Corvo were the last Azores islands discovered by Diego de Teive.
1493
Christopher Columbus lands on his first return voyage from America Santa MariaHe is mistaken for a pirate and initially arrested.
1500
Pirates besiege the Azores. A severe earthquake destroys many towns.
1522
A severe earthquake destroys Vila Franca do Campo on Sao MiguelIn 1580, Portugal was ruled by the Spanish King Philip II. Resistance was stirring in the Azores.
1581
On Terceira A battle for supremacy ensues. The Spaniards are defeated at secretion beaten with bulls and defeated.
1582
The deposed Portuguese King Antonio meets Sao Miguel He is still very popular and has many followers. The Spanish defeat him at sea and hang his followers.
1583
Terceira submits to the Spanish crown.
1640
Portugal becomes independent again.
1694
The Population of the Azores rises against Lisbon.
1756
The first American whalers hire Azoreans for whaling.
1759
The Jesuits are expelled.
1770
Minister Pombal declares the Azores a colony. From 1800 onwards, oranges, tea, and tobacco bring wealth. Prosperity grows in the Azores.
1826
A succession dispute breaks out in Portugal. The Azores support the liberal Pedro IV. 1829 In the naval battle off Vila da Praia on Terceira The conservative troops of Portugal suffered a crushing defeat. With this victory, the rise of liberalism in Portugal under King Pedro IV also began. In 1832, a whaling fleet was established in the Azores.
1846
Steamships travel between Lisbon and the Azores. This marks the beginning of the transatlantic crossings. The Azores are an important source of coal.
1860
The first purely Azorean whaling vessel sets sail from Flores Out to sea. Even before then, the American whaling fleets were supplied with provisions and crew members, because there was plenty of work on the American whalers. They were looking for harpooners for their hunt for toothed whales. Some made careers. The sailing ship 'Wanderer' is a prime example. It sailed from 1878 to 1924. On Flores Whaling begins in the Azores. Sperm whales are the main target.
1893
About Faial The first telephone cable to America is laid. Faial It will become a cable hub between Europe and America.
1916
The USA is building a military base in the Azores.
1919
The first seaplane lands in the port of Horta.
1926
Poverty in the Azores is growing. Many people are emigrating to America.
1939 Lufthansa flies Faial as a stopover on the way to New York.
1943
The Allies build the first airports.
1946
Lajes Airport on Terceira It will become an Allied air base.
1957
A massive volcanic eruption shakes the city FaialA bizarre landmass is forming in the west of the island near Capelinhos. Villages and the lighthouse are being buried.
1975
The Azores will be autonomous with a regional government in Ponta Delgada and a regional parliament in Horta and Angra do Heroismo.
1976
A democratic constitution is adopted. The islands remain Portuguese territory.
1 January 1980
On January 1st, the central group of islands was severely damaged by an earthquake. At 3:42:38 PM, an earthquake lasting just over 11 seconds shook the island. The epicenter was located at a depth of approximately 12 km between... Terceira and Sao JorgeThe cause was a sinkhole underground. Fishermen report that the sea level has dropped by several meters. The earthquake reached... Terceira a magnitude of 8,5, on Sao Jorge at Top and Santo Antao a magnitude of 8, on Graciosa a magnitude of 7 and on Pico at Pity A magnitude of 5,5. Over 60 people die or are missing. On Terceira Sixty-two percent of the island's buildings are severely or completely destroyed, and the other islands also present a scene of devastation. Entire streets collapse. Churches are largely destroyed. In the end, almost 6000 destroyed houses are counted. 20.000 people are left homeless.
1986
Portugal joins the European Community. The Azores are classified as a peripheral region and receive additional support.
1996
The Socialists replace the social democratic PSD government after 20 years.
1998
A powerful earthquake struck during the night. FaialTen people die. More than 1.000 are left homeless.
In the same year, the North German Sea Cable Works laid a 1.100 km long submarine cable from the ship Teneo, connecting the islands. Sao Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico, Faial and Santa Maria connects them in a ring shape.
1999
ASN/TYCO/Pirelli are laying a 9.900 km long submarine cable (Columbus 3) from Florida via Ponta Delgada to Lisbon.
2003
ASN Calais is laying a 1.135 km long submarine cable from the Ile de Sein between the Azores and Madeira.
