Background

Henry the Navigator was born in Porto, Portugal, in 1394. Although he was neither a sailor or a navigator, he sponsored a great deal of exploration along the west coast of Africa. Under his patronage, Portuguese crews founded the country's first colonies and visited regions previously unknown to Europeans. Henry is regarded as an originator of the Age of Discovery and the Atlantic slave trade.

Life Facts

Later on in Prince Henry's life, he created a school of navigation. He also accomplished in spreading Christianity. Prince Henry’s primary motivation, for exploring the west coast of Africa was to see how far Muslim lands extended to the south and to find the legendary Christian empire of the priest-king Prester-John. But Prester John did not really exist.

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Political Views

He sought new lands and sources of revenue for his kingdom and dynasty and searched for eastern Christian allies against Islam.

Achievements and Goals

Prince Henry the Navigator wanted to find a route to rich spice trade of the Indies and to explore the Weat coast of Africa. He sent many expeditions from Portugal to the west coast of Africa, and was responsible for Portugal's influence in the Great Age of Exploration.

Bibliography

http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/henry-the-navigator-5604.php

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-the-Navigator

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1p259.html