Final answer:
The Portuguese were pioneers of maritime exploration and established a significant trade empire under Prince Henry the Navigator. They did not, however, sponsor the Atlantic slave trade, or exploration of the New World, achievements predominantly associated with the Spanish, such as Columbus's voyages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Portuguese Notable Historical Accomplishments
The accomplishments of the Portuguese during the Age of Discovery were numerous. It is important to identify which of these were not a first for or sponsored by the Portuguese. They were pioneers in many aspects but did not sponsor or achieve everything in this era.
During the 15th century, under the guidance of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portuguese explorers set out to navigate the coast of Africa, subsequently establishing trading posts up and down the West African coast. They were instrumental in establishing a sea route to India following the voyages of Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco de Gama in 1488 and 1497, respectively. The Portuguese fleet, equipped with navigational tools like the compass, the astrolabe, and the caravel, also claimed territories in Asia, such as the Spice Islands after conquering Malacca, and established a significant maritime empire in the Indian Ocean.
The Portuguese also laid claims to lands across Africa. They launched expeditions to the Canary Islands and later built trading fortresses such as Elmina on the coast of present-day Ghana. Portugal's influence grew so much that the Popes issued decrees like the Romanus Pontifex, which granted them exclusive rights to African trade. While they pioneered in maritime exploration and trade, and in the establishment of colonies in new territories such as Brazil, one area the Portuguese did not lead in was the Atlantic slave trade, which was initially dominated by the Spanish, and they did not sponsor the exploration of the New World by the Spanish, which was exemplified by the voyages of Christopher Columbus.