The famous maritime explorer who rounded the Cape of Good Hope was Bartolomeu Dias. A Portuguese explorer, Dias set sail in 1487, seeking a sea route to India. His journey marked a significant milestone in the Age of Discovery, as he successfully navigated around the southern tip of Africa, proving that it was possible to access the Indian Ocean by sea. This route opened new trade opportunities and paved the way for future explorations, including Vasco da Gama's journey to India. Dias’ landmark voyage not only expanded geographical knowledge but also initiated European maritime dominance in the global trading landscape.