← Explore on the interactive map

Gil Eanes

Type Figure Region Portugal Time 1395–1450 Also known as Gil Eanes、Gil Eanes de Navegação

Gil Eanes was a 15th-century Portuguese navigator and a key crew member under Prince Henry;…

Timeline

  1. 1432–1433Sagres · SagresEanes served as steward of supplies for Prince Henry's household at Sagres, directly involved in preparing voyages and managing provisions, gaining experience that prepared him for later command of expeditions.
  2. 1434Cape Bojador · Cape BojadorEanes led a fleet southward for the second time, successfully rounding the feared Cape Bojador and returning safely. This ended the stalemate that had kept European sailors from proceeding further for years and opened the way for Portugal to continue exploring the coast of Mauritania.
  3. 1435Western Sahara coast · Atlantic coastEanes and Afonso Gonçalves Baldaia sailed further south, reaching waters well beyond Cape Bojador, further confirming the viability of the route and bringing back intelligence about the edge of the African inland desert.

Sources