Henry the Navigator

Henry the Navigator was appointed Governor of the Order of Christ, a wealthy military order. He used its resources to fund maritime exploration, establishing a school of navigation at Sagres and sponsoring voyages along the African coast.

Henry sponsored the voyage of Gil Eanes, who successfully rounded Cape Bojador, a feared obstacle on the African coast. This breakthrough opened the way for further exploration southward, challenging medieval geographical beliefs.

Henry's captains established a feitoria (trading post) at Arguin, off the coast of modern Mauritania. This became a center for trade in gold, slaves, and other goods, marking the beginning of the Portuguese slave trade in Africa.

Henry's captains, including Alvise Cadamosto, discovered the Cape Verde Islands. These islands became a strategic base for Portuguese exploration and trade, and later a center for the transatlantic slave trade.

Henry the Navigator died at Sagres. By his death, Portuguese explorers had reached Sierra Leone, laying the groundwork for the sea route to India. His patronage established Portugal as a leading maritime power and initiated the Age of Discovery.