Grade 6 History Quiz: Portuguese Explorers

Who was the first Portuguese explorer to land in South Africa?

• Vasco da Gama

• Christopher Columbus

• Bartholomew Dias

• Marco Polo

In which year did Bartholomew Dias reach Mossel Bay?

• 1497

• 1488

• 1492

• 1501

Why did the Portuguese want to find a sea route to Asia?

• To avoid travelling through Europe

• To escape taxes from the Arab traders

• To explore the world

• To become sailors

What happened when Dias and his crew met the Khoi people?

• They traded peacefully

• They were welcomed and given food

• The Khoi chased them away with stones

• They built a fort together

Which explorer reached India by sailing around Africa?

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Vasco da Gama

• Henry the Navigator

• Dias

What does the name “Natal” mean in Portuguese?

• Summer

• Birth

• Joy

• Christmas

Why do you think the Khoi reacted the way they did when they saw Dias and his crew?

• They wanted to trade

• They were afraid of strangers

• They thought they were gods

• They wanted to join the crew

Which part of South Africa did da Gama name?

• Western Cape

• Mossel Bay

• Durban

• Natal

Why would a “pilot” be useful for da Gama’s journey to India?

• To cook food

• To steer the ship

• To guide the ship to the right place

• To repair the sails

Compare Dias and da Gama’s journeys. What was the main difference?

• Dias travelled further than da Gama

• Da Gama continued further and reached India

• They both returned at the same time

• Dias landed in India first