Henri the Navigator, born in 1394, was a Portuguese prince who played a key role in the early stages of the Age of Discovery. Although he did not sail himself, he sponsored and financed numerous maritime expeditions, particularly along the African coast, leading to advancements in navigation, cartography, and exploration. Under his patronage, the Portuguese discovered the Madeira Islands, the Azores, and explored regions like Cape Verde.
Henri is also linked to the beginning of the Atlantic slave trade, a darker part of his legacy. However, his support for exploration enabled Portugal to become a leading maritime power, paving the way for explorers like Vasco da Gama. Henri died in 1460, but his impact on the history of exploration remains significant.
