Narrative of the Portuguese embassy to Abyssinia during the years 1520-1527

The "Narrative of the Portuguese Embassy to Abyssinia during the Years 1520-1527" by Francisco Álvares is a firsthand historical account detailing the diplomatic mission led by Dom Rodrigo de Lima to the court of the Ethiopian Emperor Lebna Dengel. Álvares, a Portuguese missionary who accompanied the embassy, provides a vivid and detailed description of the journey, offering insights into the cultural, political, and social landscape of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) during the early 16th century. His narrative captures the challenges and triumphs of the diplomatic endeavor, as well as the encounters with local customs, religious practices, and the Ethiopian court. Álvares's observations offer valuable historical perspectives on the interactions between Portuguese explorers and African societies, contributing to our understanding of cross-cultural exchanges and diplomatic relations in the early modern period. This narrative remains a significant historical document for scholars studying the history of European exploration and African civilizations.