When and where was João de Barros born?
João de Barros entered the world in Viseu, Portugal around 1496. He was born out of wedlock to Lopo de Barros, a squire serving King Manuel I.
Questions about João de Barros
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What official positions did João de Barros hold for the Portuguese crown?
King John III appointed Barros treasurer of the India House in 1525. He later became factor of the Casa da Índia e da Mina after returning to Lisbon in 1532.
Which major historical work did João de Barros publish starting in 1552?
The first part of Décadas da Ásia appeared in 1552. The second Decade came out in 1553 and the third in 1663 before he died before publishing the fourth Decade.
How did the failed captaincy in Brazil affect João de Barros financially?
A dozen hereditary captaincies were established along the coast under donatários or lord-proprietors. Barros lost money when ten vessels carrying 900 men shipwrecked due to pilot ignorance, yet he paid the debts of those who had perished in the expedition as a gesture of goodwill.
Who edited and published the unfinished fourth decade of João de Barros after his death?
João Baptista Lavanha edited and reworked the scattered manuscripts into a coherent text that appeared in Madrid in 1613 under the title Quarta Década da Ásia. This new version combined all four decades with additional commentary for later editions.