For centuries Europeans searched for Prester John, a legendary Christian king — and concluded he ruled Ethiopia.

1520

A Portuguese embassy that arrived in 1520 stayed there six years.

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The event

• The Portuguese seek Prester John in Ethiopia1520 · Massawa. For centuries Europeans believed in a distant Christian kingdom of Prester John who would help them against the Muslims. In 1520 a Portuguese embassy landed at Massawa and spent six years at the court of Emperor Lebna Dengel; its chaplain Francisco Álvares described Ethiopia as Prester John's land.

16th century

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