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Preparations for Portuguese Atlantic Exploration

Type Event Region Portugal Time 1415

In 1415, Portugal under John I and Prince Henry the Navigator captured Ceuta in North Africa, opening a maritime gateway to Atlantic and Saharan trad…

Timeline

  1. 1415Lisbon · PortugalJohn I, supported by Prince Henry and others, assembled a fleet and army at Lisbon targeting the Muslim port of Ceuta on the south shore of the Strait of Gibraltar, seeking gold, slaves, and intelligence on Saharan trade routes while rehearsing long-range power projection.
  2. 1415Ceuta · CeutaUnder Prince Henry's command, the Portuguese fleet landed and captured Ceuta, seizing abundant plunder and geographical intelligence. The victory gave Portugal a permanent base at the Atlantic–Mediterranean junction, after which Henry focused more on the navigation school and exploration preparations around Sagres.

Sources