Discover and settlement: According to Genovese maps from the XIV century, the Azores were discovered between the years of 1317 and 1339; however, the historian Damiăo Peres argues that the archipelago was discovered by Diogo de Silves in 1427. The settlement began around 1439 in the islands of Santa Maria and Săo Miguel. The Azores had an important role in the conquest and defence of the Portuguese fortresses in Africa. Also in its ports, ships coming from India and ships departing for America exploration were supplied.
During the period of Spanish domination over the Portuguese territory, the Azores were a bastion of resistance. During the two world wars, the archipelago gave support to the allies through its ports and airports, being an important communication centre in the Atlantic.
After the national revolution in April 25th, 1974, the Portuguese Constitution granted the Azores the status of Autonomous Region, with a regional Assembly and Government.