King John II of Portugal, also known as John II of Aviz, ruled from 1481 to 1495. He is often remembered for his efforts to strengthen the Portuguese monarchy and expand its overseas empire. His reign marked significant advancements in navigation and exploration, paving the way for future voyages. John II is particularly noted for his support of explorers like Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias. He played a crucial role in establishing trade routes to India and Africa, which greatly enriched Portugal. His policies laid the groundwork for the Age of Discovery, significantly impacting global trade and exploration.