D. Manuel I

D. Manuel I, also known as Manuel the Fortunate, was King of Portugal from 1495 to 1521. His reign is marked by significant economic expansion, largely due to the discoveries made during the Age of Exploration, including Vasco da Gama's voyage to India. He oversaw the establishment of a vast Portuguese empire, which included territories in Africa, Asia, and Brazil. D. Manuel I's patronage of explorers and navigators helped to position Portugal as a leading global maritime power during the Renaissance.