Henry The Navigator
Henry the Navigator was a Portuguese prince who sponsored exploration along the west coast of Africa.
Explorer
March 4, 1394
November 13, 1460
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Henry the Navigator, a prominent Portuguese prince and explorer, was instrumental in the Age of Exploration during the 15th century. He financed numerous expeditions to investigate the western coast of Africa, thereby laying the groundwork for the Portuguese Empire. Among his most renowned accomplishments are the founding of a navigation school in Sagres, Portugal, and the development of maps and navigation tools. Additionally, he was responsible for the establishment of successful trade routes, the founding of a colony in Morocco, and the charting of the Guinea Coast. Henry’s legacy is still celebrated today.
Interestingly, although Henry the Navigator was not a sailor or navigator himself, he played a crucial role in sponsoring extensive exploration along Africa’s west coast.