Did Bartolomeu Dias grow up with his father and brothers?

Answer 1

That information may be available in an archive in Portugal. It isn't available as information passed down through generations of a family. For the direct line from Bartolomeu Dias [c. 1450-May 29, 1500] went extinct with the navigator's great grandchildren, Dona Paula de Novais and Dona Violante de Castro, neither of whom married or had children. Neither can any indication of trouble be found in what's known of the navigator's life. For Portuguese historians describe Dias as the descendant of a seafaring line. And Pero Dias is identified as Bartolomeu's brother, and commander of the supply ship for Bartolomeu's expedition of 1487-1488 around the Cape of Good Hope, off the coast of modern South Africa. Diogo Dias aka Diogo Gomes [c. 1420-c.1485] is identified as another brother, who participated in the discovery of the Cape Verde Islands. But Diogo was about 30 years older than Bartolomeu. So he may have been the navigator's father, or a relative other than in the direct, nuclear family. So the information would indicate that Bartolomeu Dias got along well enough with his family to be able to follow the same line of work, and have them in close quarters, as in the case of Pero holding down the critical role of supply ship commander.

Answer 2

Yes. Bartolomeu Dias [c. 1450-May 29, 1500] was a member of a noble family. At an early age, he therefore was eligible for residence, and education, at the Royal Court in Lisbon. But before leaving his home, he and his siblings would have been educated by tutors that his parents would have hired. Depending upon the ages of his siblings, Bartolomeu may have made the move, from home to court, with his siblings. But whether at home or court, Bartolomeu would have maintained contact with his father and siblings. For the entire family was committed to exploration, navigation, and sailing the high seas. Indeed, Portuguese historians have described Bartolomeu as the descendant of a line of seafarers. They also have identified, as among his relatives, Dinis Dias and Joao Dias, both of whom were noted navigators off the coasts of Senegal and Morocco, respectively. And they have referred to him as brother to Pero Dias, and to Diogo Dias aka Diogo Gomes [c. 1420-c.1485]. Pero must have been a younger brother. For he commanded the supply ship for Bartolomeu's expedition of 1487-1488 around the modern Cape of Good Hope, off the coast of South Africa. Diogo must have been older. For he distinguished himself in the discovery of the Cape Verde Islands. But it's possible that two gentlemen of the same name have become confused over the course of history. For Diogo was 30 years older than Bartolomeu, and therefore more of a candidate for father or uncle, than brother, to Bartolomeu.