<P> Spices were always considered the gold of the Indies . Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, pepper and turmeric had long been products which were difficult to obtain in Europe and brought in by caravans and experienced merchants coming from the East . </P> <P> A merchant of Lisbon describes the overland spice route as follows: Only the markets of Venice and Genoa then scattered these spices all over Europe, great in cost, and without guaranteed arrival . In 1453, with the capture of the city of Constantinople by the Ottomans, the trade of Venice and Genoa reduced to a great degree . The advantage of the Portuguese to establish a sea route therefore virtually free of assault - however, covered in perils in the sea - showed itself rewarding and outlined a large income to the Crown in the future . Portugal directly linked the spice producing regions to their markets in Europe . </P> <P> Around the year 1481, João Afonso of Aveiro attempted to undertake an exploration of the kingdom of Benin, and gathered information about an almost legendary prince Ogané, whose kingdom was located far to the east of Benin . He was thought to be Christian and one who enjoyed great respect and power . It was said the Benin kingdom where Ogané had his headquarters was twenty moons away in distance, which, according to the account of João de Barros, corresponds to two hundred fifty leagues . </P> <P> Excited with this news, John II sent, in 1487, Frei António de Lisboa and Pedro de Montarroio to locate in the East new information that could find Prester John, which seemed to correspond, after all, to the description that came about the prince Ogané . But the mission of those sent was merely to Jerusalem, because these two Portuguese were unaware of the Arabic language and hence feared to continue, and instead returned to Portugal . </P>

Who discovered the sea route to india and america and how