How did Prince Henry of Portugal contribute to maritime exploration?
A) He led many voyages west across the Atlantic in search of the West Indies.
B) He encouraged the use of ancient pirate routes to explore and find new land.
C) He funded any and all exploration voyages for European countries to encourage strengthening of the continent.
D) He set up a navigation school that pushed exploration boundaries and technology opening uncharted waters to the Indies.
The answer is D
http://www.biography.com/people/henry-the-navigator
The correct answer is D) He set up a navigation school that pushed exploration boundaries and technology opening uncharted waters to the Indies.
Prince Henry of Portugal, also known as Henry the Navigator, made significant contributions to maritime exploration during the 15th century. He established a navigation school called the School of Sagres in Portugal, which brought together the brightest minds, sailors, cartographers, and navigators of the time. This school played a pivotal role in advancing navigation techniques, shipbuilding, and exploration technology.
One key objective of Prince Henry's school was to explore the African coast and find a direct sea route to the lucrative trade centers of the East, particularly the Indies (modern-day Indonesia and surrounding areas) that were rich in spices and other valuable commodities. His school trained sailors in celestial navigation, cartography, and shipbuilding techniques, which enabled them to venture further and explore uncharted waters.
Under Prince Henry's patronage, expeditions were launched along the African coast, going further south than previous attempts. Through these voyages, Portuguese sailors were able to gain valuable knowledge about wind patterns, currents, and navigational techniques. This knowledge helped sailors to confidently venture into unknown territories, establishing a foundation for future exploration and trade routes.
Ultimately, Prince Henry's effort to push exploration boundaries and enhance navigation technology opened up new routes and expanded maritime trade. The discoveries made by Portuguese explorers laid the groundwork for the Age of Discovery, transforming Europe's understanding of the world and setting the stage for the exploration and colonization of new lands.
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