Sailing directions, memorials and nautical knowledge about southern Iberian coast along the Age of Discovery (1526-c. 1555)

Abstract

In this paper, we present three exceptional documentary evidences for the knowledge of southern Iberian coast in the Late Middle Ages and the beginning of Early Modern Ages. They are three memorials preserved in Archivo General of Simancas and Archivo General of Indias that report the landforms and seabed in the coast from Cape St. Vincent to Cape Palos. They were wrote up between 1526 and shortly after 1555 at the request of Spanish Monarchy for strategic military and commercial reason. Thanks to them, it is possible to analyse in depth the topography of southern Iberian littoral in this age. Furthermore, they represent an outstanding testimony of technical and practical knowledge hoarded by experienced seamen and other navigation professionals in this maritime space between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean within the context of the Age of Discovery, along 15th and 16th Centuries.