Capelo, Hermenegildo
Hermenegildo de Brito Capelo (February 4, 1841 - May 4, 1917) was a Portuguese naval officer and explorer of the African interior. Born in Palmela, near Lisbon, to a father who was a high-level government official, Capelo followed two of his older brothers into a naval career (all three would end their careers as vice admirals). He enlisted in the naval school and began his voyages after graduation, traveling up and down the western African coast, becoming especially familiar with Angola, where he conducted surveying work. As a result, he was chosen along with Roberto Ivens and Serpa Pinto to lead an expedition to explore the lands between Angola and Mozambique. This expedition embarked in July 1877, lasting nearly three years, with Capelo and Ivens splitting off from Serpa Pinto following a disagreement. In 1884, Capelo and Ivens undertook a second expedition that also yielded immense scientific, anthropological, and political dividends. Both men were showered with honors and awards on returning to Lisbon. Capelo took on a number of posts related to the colonies, including as governor of Luanda, and was made chief of a diplomatic mission to the sultan of Zanzibar.
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