Bartholomeu Dias was a Portuguese explorer born around 1450. He is best known for being the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa, reaching the Cape of Good Hope in 1488. This significant voyage opened the sea route to India and the East Indies, paving the way for future exploration and trade. Dias's journey was commissioned by King John II of Portugal, who sought to find a maritime route to Asia. Although Dias did not reach India himself, his expedition laid the groundwork for later explorers like Vasco da Gama, who successfully completed the journey to India in 1498.