Introducing
Your new presentation assistant.
Refine, enhance, and tailor your content, source relevant images, and edit visuals quicker than ever before.
Trending searches
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.
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.
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
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