Why is Henry the Navigator considered a significant figure in the history of voyages?

 

            Henry the Navigator was a Portuguese prince, soldier, and patron of explorers. His real name was Henrique. Henry the Navigator never actually took command of a ship, or went on a voyage, but he sent many expedition fleets down Africa’s west coast. He played a pivotal role in bringing Portugal to the forefront of seafaring and exploration.

            He was the major initiator of the so called ‘Age of Discovery’. He was the driving force behind the early development of Portuguese exploration and maritime trade with other continents through the systematic exploration of Western Africa, the islands of the Atlantic Ocean, and the search for new routes.

            Henry’s father King John I was the founder of the House of Aviz, the second dynasty of the kings of Portugal. Henry encouraged his father to conquer Ceuta, on the North African coast, across the Straits of Gibraltar from the Iberian Peninsula. He learned of the opportunities from the Saharan trade routes, and became fascinated with Africa. He grew up intrigued by the idea of expanding Portuguese trade, and thus benefitting his homeland.