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Portuguese Atlantic Exploration
In the 1440s, under Prince Henry, Portuguese fleets explored south along the West African coast, improving navigation and ship design and breaking pa…
Timeline
- 1440–1444Sagres · AlgarvePrince Henry organized a navigation school and shipyards in the Algarve, funded the construction of swift caravels, systematically trained pilots, and accumulated Atlantic sailing experience.
- 1444–1448West African coast · Atlantic coastPortuguese fleets reached the Senegal River and waters near Cape Verde, conducting coastal surveying and trade contacts; the 1444 'Lagos slave market' marked the institutionalization of commercial exploration along the African coast.
Sources
- A History of Portugal and the Portuguese Empire, Volume 1 — A. R. Disney (2009)
- The Portuguese in West Africa, 1415-1670 — Malyn Newitt (2010)