Henry the Navigator

Sites Used:

• http://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-the-Navigator
• http://www.enchantedlearning.com/explorers/page/h/henry.shtml
• http://www.biography.com/people/henry-the-navigator
• http://ageofex.marinersmuseum.org/index.php?type=explorer&id=33

Biography:

Henry Prince of Portugal Duke of Viseu Lord of Covilha (also known as Henry the Navigator) was born on March 4th, 1394 in Porto, Portugal. He was the youngest of two older brothers, Pedro and Edward. Henry's childhood education focused on politics, war, and literature. In his early years, he showed interest in joining the military and running a kingdom of his own.

The Start:

In 1415, at the age of 21, Henry, with his father and brothers, captured Morocco. This event inspired Henry to explore Africa and other places that were unknown. In 1419, Henry's father chose him to become the governor of the province of Algarve, Portugal.

The flag of Portugal during Henry's life.

Why Henry the Navigator Should be in The Smithsonian Museum:

• Prince Henry began the Age of Discovery. This was the period of time when Europe expanded their territory into Africa, Asia and the Americas.
• Henry the Navigator was a pioneer who introduced people to geography, mapmaking and navigation. This influenced other explorers during this time.
• Henry created the Transatlantic Slave Trade. He studied the African culture and helped spread Christianity throughout the African nation.

Purpose of Exploration:

There are many reasons why Henry the Navigator wanted to explore the continent of Africa. To start, he wanted to find a way to defeat the Muslim empire. Next, Henry wanted to locate the Christian kingdom of Prester John. Lastly, he hoped to discover a way to Asia by sailing around Africa.

Route of Henry the Navigator

Achievements and Outcomes:

• From 1415 until Henry's death in 1460, the Portuguese traveled as far as Sierra Leone.
• Although Henry the Navigator was not actually a sailor, he sponsored many Portuguese sea voyages to explore the African coast.
• Henry built a navigation school for sailors in Portugal.
• He was the founder of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Exploration:

This is Porto Santo

This is Cape Bojador

Henry's first voyage, sponsored by Portugal, was in 1415 when his ships landed in the Canary Islands. He could not claim this new territory because it was already owned by the Spanish. Three years later, he set out to the Guinea Coast, but was thrown off track. Instead, he discovered Porto Santo, which became the first European colony in modern history.

In 1421, Henry's goal was to get his crew past Cape Bojador. However, his sailors feared that if they traveled farther than this area, their skin would turn black and they would be eaten by sea-monsters. Finally in 1436, a crew member named Gil Eannes followed Henry's orders and was the first to reach Rio de Ouro.

By 1443, Prince Henry was given the privilege to be the only person allowed to send ships south of Cape Bojador. He was also granted one-fifth of the profits earned in this area.

Route of Gil Eannes

Evidence of Persistence and Risk-Taking:

Challenges Faced:

• Henry's sailors were superstitious and feared traveling past Cape Bojador.
• During his exploration time, Henry became overwhelmed with merchants who wanted voyage licenses to the Guinea Coast, so they could earn profits like him.

• The waters in the African region were dangerous, due to strong currents and violent storms.
• Henry kept ordering his crew to overcome their fears and move south of Cape Bojador.
• Henry negotiated with the merchants and allowed them their voyage licenses. In return, he wanted African people to be brought back to Portugal, so he could explore more about their country and culture. Henry also wanted to educate the Africans about Christianity.

Henry the Navigator

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