Final answer:
Bartolomeu Dias was a Portuguese explorer who became the first European to sail around the Cape of Good Hope, thereby paving the way for the Portuguese maritime exploration and trade with India and the Spice Islands.
The Correct Option is; d) Portuguese explorer who rounded the Cape of Good Hope.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bartolomeu Dias: An Early Explorer
An accurate description of Bartolomeu Dias is that he was a Portuguese explorer who is known for being the first European to sail around the Cape of Good Hope. Dias's voyage in 1487-1488 opened up the possibility for a sea route from Europe to the East, which was later followed by other explorers like Vasco da Gama, leading to the establishment of Portuguese trade routes with India and the Spice Islands. Dias's achievement represented a major milestone in the Age of Discovery and the expansion of the Portuguese Empire.
While Dias is associated with the Cape of Good Hope, it is important to note that other explorers like Pedro Cabral were involved in different significant expeditions such as reaching Brazil and claiming it for the throne of Portugal. The contributions of these explorers have shaped the course of global exploration and international trade networks during the 15th and 16th centuries.