Henry the Navigator Becomes Order of Christ Governor
May 25th, 1420
May 25th, 1420

How Long Ago?
604 years, 9 months, 18 days ago
Location
Portugal
Category
Exploration & Discovery
People
- Henry the Navigator
- Order of Christ Members
Links & References
Tags
Henry the Navigator Becomes Order of Christ Governor
Infante Henry of Portugal, known as Henry the Navigator, was appointed governor of the Order of Christ, a significant religious and military order. This appointment marked a pivotal moment in supporting the Portuguese Age of Exploration. Henry was instrumental in promoting maritime exploration along the West African coast, which revolutionized navigation and overseas expansion for Portugal.
Henry established a navigation school at Sagres.
Infante Henry was key in the Age of Exploration.
The Order of Christ evolved from the Knights Templar.
Henry sought new trade routes to Asia and beyond.
What Happened?
Infante Henry of Portugal, commonly known as Henry the Navigator, was appointed as the governor of the Order of Christ in 1420. This order was a key institution in Portugal, evolving from the earlier Knights Templar and focusing on Christian missions and exploration. As governor, Henry sought to utilize the resources of the Order to promote his ambitions of exploration, particularly along the African coastline. He established a navigation school at Sagres, where he gathered together the brightest minds in navigation, cartography, and shipbuilding. This institution helped lay the foundation for Portugal's prowess in maritime exploration.
Henry's appointment not only reflected his noble lineage but also his deep commitment to expanding Portuguese influence. The Order of Christ served as a vital funding source for new expeditions, allowing the Portuguese to explore uncharted territories. Under Henry's leadership, the order was involved in several expeditions that sought a trade route to Asia and aimed to spread Christianity. Henry’s strategic vision facilitated significant advances in naval technology and contributed to Europe's understanding of distant lands which ultimately led to the establishment of trade routes and colonies.
The legacy of this appointment extended far beyond Henry's lifetime, as his initiatives led to the Age of Discovery wherein European powers began to compete for maritime dominance. Portugal became a leader in exploration, resulting in the influx of wealth and resources from its newly acquired territories, changing the economic landscape of Europe. Henry’s governance of the Order of Christ thus represents a foundational moment in the history of exploration and empire-building in the early modern period.
Why Does it Matter?
The appointment of Henry the Navigator as governor of the Order of Christ is significant as it marked the beginning of organized maritime exploration under the auspices of a religious order. This position enabled the Portuguese to leverage both financial resources and religious zeal to embark on voyages that would have a lasting impact on global trade and geopolitics. This initiative contributed to the Age of Discovery, encouraging other European nations to pursue their own explorations.
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