João II, also known as João II of Portugal, was the King of Portugal from 1481 to 1495. He was a member of the Aviz dynasty and is often referred to as "the Perfect Prince" due to his effective leadership and administrative reforms. His reign is marked by significant advancements in exploration, including support for voyages along the African coast. João II played a crucial role in the Age of Discovery, promoting maritime exploration that led to the discovery of new trade routes. He was instrumental in the early stages of the Portuguese Empire, establishing Portugal as a major global power during the late 15th century.