Prince Henry
A central figure in the 15th century European maritime discoveries and expansion
Real World Example
Prince Henry, known as "Henry the Navigator," was a Portuguese prince in the 15th century who greatly influenced the Age of Exploration. Although he never sailed himself, he sponsored many voyages along the African coast, which helped establish new sea routes that connected Europe to Asia and the Americas. His support for exploration led to increased trade and the eventual European colonization of various parts of the world, including the Americas. Today, Prince Henry's legacy lives on in our globalized world, where international trade routes and cultural exchanges are commonplace. For example, when you enjoy foods like chocolate or potatoes, you are benefiting from the global connections that began with explorations like those Prince Henry championed.