Prince Henry

Henry and Gil Eannes

One of the more famous explorations of Henry the Navigator was Cape Bojador. Cape Bojador was called the often called the "Sea of Darkness", known for it's strong currents and frequent violent storms. In 12 years, Henry sent 14 voyages there and convinced Gil Eannes to sail here, who became the first person to go there in 1435.

Antao Goncalves

Prince Henry

Prince Henry and Slavery

Henry returned to Sagres in 1441, and launched an exploration to the west African coast. Nuno Tristaio was captain and Antao Goncalves was accompanied him. Goncalves was supposed to hunt the monk seal but also captured 19 Africans, and took them back to Portugal. A few years later, Henry built a fort at the Bay of Argium, which was soon the center of slave trade.

Early Life:

Prince Henry was born on March 4, 1394. He was the third son of King John I and Philippa. His parents educated him which allowed him to have an appreciation of astrological literature, and ambitions to take part in the military.

Henry's Voyages:

Henry's goal was to navigate around Africa to Asia and find the Christian Kingdom of Prester John. In 1415, he sent out an expedition who only made it to the Canary Islands. In 1418, his next expedition went to Port Santo in the Madeira Islands.

Navigation School

In about 1418, Prince Henry created the first school for oceanic navigation along with an astronomical observatory at Sagres, Portugal. People here would train in navigation, map-making, and science, so they could sail down the west of Africa. This school gave Portugal a breakthrough in navigation.

Henry and Cape Verde

Prince Henry's Accomplishments

Henry sent Alvise da Cadamosto on 2 different expeditions. Cadamosto made it to the Gambia River in west Africa in 1455 and the Geba River in 1456. While on these expeditions, Cadamosto discovered the Cape Verde Islands.

Alvise da Cadamosto

Prince Henry played a very significant role in exploration. He was known as the patron of exploration, founding many expeditions and voyages. He inspired many explorers who came after him to explore. Henry explored and sent explorers to sail through many waterways from Europe to Asia. The navigation school in Sagres that was made by Henry gave the Portuguese a breakthrough in navigation. Prince Henry was the first one to send an exploration into the "Sea of Darkness" which was the first step in finding the sea route to the Indies.

Prince Henry & his Death

Prince Henry died November 13, 1460. He was buried in St. Mary in Lagos, but later moved to the Monastery of Batalha. His great nephew, King Dom Manuel, made a statue of him and put it near the church of Belem. In July of 1840, a monument was dedicated to him at Sagres.

Prince Henry

The Navigator