Greek navigator and explorer who made the first known attempt to circumnavigate Africa from western Europe. Following two successful voyages to India from the Red Sea for the king of Egypt, Ptolemy Euergetes II, he went to Gades, present-day Cádiz, Spain, where he outfitted three ships for his planned circumnavigation. On the first attempt he was driven aground south of Morocco. He sailed again down the west coast of Africa but the entire expedition was lost. No further attempt was made to round southern Africa until the late 15th century.