Portuguese outpost, Juda, 16th century. Historical artwork of the Portuguese trading post in Juda (Ouidah, Benin). Portuguese trading posts were founded in Africa and across Asia during the 16th century after the 1497-9 voyage by Vasco da Gama that opened the way for European maritime commerce. This artwork is from 'Lendas da India' (Legends of India) by the Portuguese historian Gaspar Correia (c.1496-1563). This book, one of the earliest works about Portuguese rule in Asia, existed in manuscript form until it was published in the 19th century by the Royal Academy of Sciences of Lisbon.