Prince Henry the Navigator was a Portuguese royal born in 1394, known for his significant role in the early days of the Age of Exploration. He was not an explorer himself but sponsored many voyages along the West African coast, aiming to find new trade routes and expand Portugal's influence. Under his patronage, advancements in navigation and shipbuilding occurred, leading to the development of the caravel, a ship well-suited for long voyages. His efforts laid the groundwork for future explorers, such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, ultimately contributing to the global exploration of the 15th and 16th centuries.