Henry of Portugal, also known as Henry the Navigator, was a Portuguese prince born in 1394. He played a crucial role in the early days of the Age of Discovery by sponsoring numerous expeditions along the west coast of Africa. His efforts helped to expand European knowledge of the African continent and its resources. Henry established a school of navigation in Sagres, which attracted many explorers and cartographers. This institution contributed to advancements in maritime technology and navigation techniques, paving the way for future explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan. Henry's legacy is significant in the history of exploration.