By Smartencyclopedia

Have you ever wondered what life was like for Portuguese navigators who ventured across the seas of the world in the 15th and 16th centuries? How did they eat, have fun, and face the dangers and challenges of such long and risky voyages? Portuguese naus were wooden ships with two, three, or four masts, equipped with square or lateen sails.

They had forecastles and sterncastles where the officers and nobles stayed and a hold where the sailors, soldiers, cargo, and animals were crowded. Naus could transport up to 200 people and weigh up to 500 tons. They were developed to navigate in the open sea, facing storms, currents, and winds of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Portuguese naus were used in significant historical achievements, such as the discovery of the sea route to India by Vasco da Gama in 1498, the arrival in Brazil by Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500, the circumnavigation of the globe by Fernão de Magalhães between 1519 and 1522, and the opening of trade routes with China and Japan in the 16th century.

They were also used for military purposes, fighting against the enemies of the Portuguese at sea, such as Arabs, Turks, and Dutch. But what was life like inside these ships? What were the challenges, dangers, and amusements for the crew?

The food

The food for the crew was very poor and insufficient. They received around 400 grams of hard and salty biscuits daily, which often was moldy or infested with rats and cockroaches.

They also received two small portions of water and wine, which were stored under poor conditions and caused infections and diarrhea. Every month, they were entitled to 15 kg of salted meat, onions, vinegar, and olive oil.

The captains and officers were allowed to bring additional food items such as sugar, honey, flour, and fruits. They could also transport chickens and sheep to supplement their diet, while the common crew members had to make do with salted meat and biscuits. The animals were kept in the ship’s holds, alongside the cargo and sailors.

Each crew member cooked for themselves, but there wasn’t always fire available. Hunger was a constant problem and sometimes drove the crew members to eat improper things or even resort to cannibalism.

Entertainment

Entertainment for the crew was scarce and limited. Some sailors enjoyed playing cards, although it was prohibited. If caught in the act by a friar, the decks of cards would be confiscated and thrown overboard.

Another form of entertainment was theater performances, always with religious themes. The crew members would stage biblical stories or tales of saints, using improvised costumes and props. These plays served to entertain, educate, and morally uplift the sailors.

Additionally, the crew members could find amusement in observing the sea and marine animals such as dolphins, whales, and sharks. They could also marvel at the stars and celestial phenomena, such as rainbows and the northern lights. Occasionally, they would encounter unknown islands, lands, or peoples, sparking their curiosity and sense of adventure.

The dangers

The crew members of Portuguese naus faced many varied dangers. They could be attacked by pirates, privateers, or enemy ships that sought to steal their goods or impede their voyages.

They also had to contend with storms, contrary winds, maritime currents, and sandbanks, which could damage or sink their ships. They could get lost or deviate from their intended route due to a lack of geographical knowledge or precise navigational instruments.

Furthermore, the crew members suffered from diseases, plagues, and hunger. They could contract scurvy, malaria, typhoid fever, dysentery, and other illnesses caused by a lack of hygiene, vitamins, and potable water.

They could also be infested with rats, cockroaches, lice, and worms, which transmitted diseases and spoiled their food supplies. They could even die of starvation or thirst if provisions ran out or spoiled.

The rewards

Despite all the hardships and risks that the crew members of Naus faced, they also had some rewards and benefits. They could receive a share of the profits obtained from the trade of spices, silks, gold, and other valuable goods brought from the East.

They could also receive financial compensation from the Portuguese government in case of death or disability. They could be honored with titles and nobiliary distinctions for their heroic deeds or significant discoveries.

Additionally, they had the opportunity to explore new lands, encounter new peoples, and experience new cultures. They could learn new languages, religions, and arts. They could also contribute to the advancement of science, geography, and history.

Conclusion

Life aboard Portuguese naus was a mixture of difficulties and adventures. Portuguese navigators faced immense challenges in exploring the unknown world and opening new paths for trade and evangelization. They also left a cultural and historical legacy that marked the Portuguese identity and influenced other peoples.