In 1488, Bartolomeu Dias became the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa. Gradually, Portuguese explorers made their way farther and farther south. He wanted to continue the Crusades against the Muslims, find gold, and take part in Asian trade. Henry’s early expeditions focused on the west coast of Africa. His cartographers made new maps based on the information ship captains brought back. He also started a school of navigation where sailors and mapmakers could learn their trades. Instead, he encouraged exploration and planned and directed many important expeditions.īeginning in about 1418, Henry sent explorers to sea almost every year. Nicknamed “the Navigator,” Prince Henry was not an explorer himself. Key Portuguese Explorers The major figure in early Portuguese exploration was Prince Henry, the son of King John I of Portugal. Its rulers sent explorers first to nearby Africa and then around the world. This small country is located on the Iberian Peninsula. The Age of Exploration began in Portugal.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |