Prince Henry the Navigator [1394-1460] -- Portuguese patron of numerous voyages of exploration

Portuguese prince noted for his patronage of voyages of discovery among the Madeira Islands and along the western coast of Africa, eventually leading to discovery of the eastward route around the southern tip of Africa to India. This was at a time when mariners believed that the temperature of the oceans increased with southerly extent to the boiling point at the equator.

Under his auspices, the sailing vessel known as the Portuguese caravel was developed, the techniques of cartography were advanced, and navigational instruments were improved.

With these discoveries and navigational improvements Portugal became a chief maritime power for 250 years, until the destruction by earthquake of the capital city of Lisbon in the early 18^th century.