How did the portuguese create a trading empire stretching from africa through the indian octane in india

Portugal, the western-most European country, was one of the primary players in the European Age of Discovery and Exploration. Under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portugal took the principal role during most of the fifteenth century in searching for a route to Asia by sailing south around Africa. I hope my answer has come to your help. God bless and have a nice day ahead!