Manuel I

(born May 31, 1469, Alcochete, Port.—died December 1521, Lisbon) King of Portugal (1495–1521). He opened trade with India and Brazil, sending Pedro Álvares Cabral on a voyage to East Asia (1500), and gained riches from Vasco da Gama's voyage around Africa.

Manuel's claims to the newly discovered lands were confirmed by the pope and recognized by Spain. In order to marry the daughter of Ferdinand V and Isabella, he agreed to expel Jews and Muslims from Portugal (1496). His reign saw the founding of Portuguese outposts in India and the Malay Peninsula, and his explorers reached China in 1513. Manuel also centralized Portuguese administration, reformed the courts, and revised the legal code.