The Portuguese Empire , also known as the Portuguese Overseas , was the first colonial empire, spanning almost six centuries from the capture of Ceuta in 1415 to the handover of Macau in 1999 and the grant of sovereignty to East Timor in 2002. The empire spread throughout a vast number of territories that are now parts of 60 different sovereign states. It was one of the largest empires in history and at the peak of its power, was the first to reach global dimensions through a long network of numerous territories and smaller possessions.Portugal's colonial trade had a substantial positive impact on Portuguese economic growth.
