What was Prince Henry the Navigator's role in exploration?

Prince Henry the Navigator was a key figure in the early days of European maritime exploration, initiating the Age of Discovery.

Prince Henry the Navigator, born in 1394, was a Portuguese royal who played a pivotal role in the early days of European maritime exploration. His efforts were instrumental in initiating the Age of Discovery, a period of intense exploration that lasted from the 15th to the 17th century. He is often credited with beginning the maritime exploration of the African coast.

Henry was the third son of King John I of Portugal. He was a man of considerable wealth and influence, which he used to sponsor numerous voyages of discovery along the west coast of Africa. These expeditions were driven by a combination of scientific curiosity, a desire for wealth through the trade of gold and spices, and a zeal for spreading Christianity.

Henry did not personally sail on these voyages, but he was the driving force behind them. He established a school of navigation in Sagres, Portugal, where he brought together the best mapmakers, navigators, and shipbuilders of the time. This school became a hub of innovation, leading to advancements in ship design, navigation techniques, and cartography that made long-distance sea travel possible.

Under Henry's patronage, Portuguese explorers made significant progress in mapping the African coast. They discovered and colonised the Madeira and Azores islands, and reached as far south as present-day Sierra Leone. These voyages also led to the development of a sea route around Africa to India, opening up a new trade route to the East and breaking the monopoly of the overland Silk Road.

Henry's efforts had a profound impact on the world. They marked the beginning of an era of global exploration and colonialism that would reshape the world's political and cultural landscape. His work laid the groundwork for future explorers, including Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama, and his influence can still be seen in the modern world of global trade and cultural exchange.