When was João de Castro born and who were his parents?
D. João de Castro was born on the 27th of February 1500 to Álvaro de Castro, the civil governor of Lisbon.
Questions about João de Castro
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What scientific discovery did João de Castro make regarding magnetic needles?
During the voyage to India de Castro carried out experiments that detected magnetic needle deviation long before others recognized it. He made forty-three observations of magnetic declination through measurements over the entire route around Africa using an instrument called the Bussola de Variacão which had been developed by Felipe Guillén a decade earlier in Seville.
Why was João de Castro appointed viceroy of India in 1547?
In 1547 he was appointed viceroy by King João III of Portugal due to his victory at the second siege of Diu where he defeated the army of Adil Khan and captured Bharuch while subjugating Malacca.
How did João de Castro die and when did this event occur?
De Castro died in the arms of his friend Saint Francis Xavier on the 6th of June 1548 while still serving as Viceroy. He was buried at Goa before his remains were exhumed and transported back to Portugal for reinterment in the convent of Benfica.
Which historical figures praised or studied the work of João de Castro after his death?
Historians later recognized him as a key figure in maritime science due to his extensive work on magnetism and Luís de Camões called him Strong Castro in poetry celebrating his life and achievements. In the 1890s G. Hellman quoted by Chapman and Bartels considered de Castro the most important representative of scientific maritime investigations of the time.