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Henry the Navigator
Historical Figures
Henry the Navigator
The renowned Portuguese explorer who led the Age of Discovery and established trade routes to Africa and Asia.
Born
1394
Died
1460
Nationality
Portuguese
Profession
Prince
Life Journey & Timeline
Explore 10 key moments that shaped Henry the Navigator's extraordinary life and lasting legacy.
1394
1394-03-04
Birth
Born in Porto, Kingdom of Portugal
•Age 0•Porto, Portugal
Infante Dom Henrique of Portugal, later known as Henry the Navigator, was born to King John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster. He was the third son of the royal couple.
1402
Education
Begins Royal Education
•Age 8•Lisbon, Portugal
Henry begins his formal education, receiving instruction in literature, languages, and the sciences, as well as military training, under the guidance of his father's court.
1415
Career
Participates in Capture of Ceuta
•Age 21•Ceuta, Morocco
Henry, along with his father and brothers, participates in the successful capture of the North African city of Ceuta from the Moors, marking his first military campaign.
1419
Achievement
Establishes School of Navigation
•Age 25•Sagres, Portugal
Henry establishes the School of Navigation in Sagres, where he gathers scholars, cartographers, and navigators to advance maritime exploration and technology.
1420
Personal
Marries Isabel of Viseu
•Age 26•Coimbra, Portugal
Henry marries Isabel of Viseu, a noblewoman from the Portuguese nobility, strengthening his political alliances and social status.
1425
Career
Becomes Governor of the Order of Christ
•Age 31•Portugal
Henry is appointed Governor of the Order of Christ, a religious and military order that plays a significant role in financing and supporting his exploratory voyages.
1434
Achievement
Cape Bojador Rounded
•Age 40•Cape Bojador, Africa
Under Henry's patronage, Portuguese navigator Gil Eanes successfully rounds Cape Bojador, a significant milestone that opens up the West African coast to further exploration.
1444
Milestone
Establishes Slave Trade
•Age 50•Portugal and Africa
Henry supports the establishment of the Portuguese slave trade, bringing African slaves to Portugal and initiating a centuries-long transatlantic trade.
1455
Achievement
Papal Bull Romanus Pontifex
•Age 61•Rome, Italy
Pope Nicholas V issues the papal bull Romanus Pontifex, granting Henry and the Portuguese crown exclusive rights to explore and exploit the Atlantic and African territories.
1460
1460-11-13
Death
Dies in Sagres
•Age 66•Sagres, Portugal
Henry the Navigator dies in Sagres, Portugal, leaving a legacy as a key figure in the Age of Discovery and a patron of maritime exploration.
Major Achievements
Discover the groundbreaking contributions that made Henry the Navigator a legendary figure.
1
Patronage of Portuguese exploration
2
Establishment of the School of Sagres
3
Expansion of the Portuguese Empire
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Cultural & Historical Context
Portuguese
Personality Traits
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AmbitiousAdventurousStrategic