They have their crown jewel: BRAZIL but otherwise, they are pretty much a Trading Post Empire without significant land holdings outside of Brazil (The Portuguese are the 21st largest empire ever, just behind the Achaemenid Persians). Having said that… Portugal’s empire will not be the largest (Britain) or the longest lasting (Ottomans). Everyone else took their cues from Portugal in the sea route to Asia. That’s a massive lead in terms of exploration. They do begin with one extra Settler more than other European civilization (except the Spanish ). King John the Good (Henry’s dad) first took territory in Africa (Ceuta) in 1415! Columbus was 77 years later. The Portuguese are one of the difficult civilizations to play in Age of Empires III due to its relatively slow start. Portugal has a decent head start as well. So, it makes sense that they would lead the way in seeking out new trade routes and peoples to convert to Catholicism. They are super far away from any trade route. The Portuguese are a Southern European civilization introduced in Age of Empires II HD: The African Kingdoms. As Europe sets off to expand across the oceans, the first contestant=PORTUGAL.

Age of empires portuguese