Henry the Navigator

Henry the Navigator was a Portuguese explorer and patron of exploration in the 15th century, though he himself did not sail. He promoted and funded voyages along Africa’s west coast to find new trade routes and expand Portugal’s influence. His efforts helped develop navigation techniques, improve ships, and gather geographic knowledge, which laid the groundwork for European exploration of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. By supporting explorers like Dias and de Gama, Henry played a key role in initiating the Age of Discovery, significantly impacting global trade, exploration, and the understanding of the world.