Today In History logo TIH
Henry the Navigator

Historical Figure

Henry the Navigator

b. 1394

Portuguese prince and governor (1394–1460)

Late Medieval

Talk to Henry the Navigator

Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI

Key Dates

Biography

Prince Henry of Portugal, Duke of Viseu, better known as Prince Henry the Navigator, was a Portuguese prince and a central figure in the early days of the Portuguese Empire and in the 15th-century European maritime exploration. Through his administrative direction, he is regarded as the main initiator of what would be known as the Age of Discovery. Henry was the third child of King John I of Portugal, who founded the House of Aviz.

Source: Wikipedia · Compiled March 2026 · AI-summarized

Timeline

1394
Birth

Portuguese son of John I of Portugal (d. 1460)

March 4 →
1415
Event

Henry the Navigator leads Portuguese forces to victory over the Marinids at the Battle of Ceuta.

August 14 →
1415
Event

Henry the Navigator leads Portuguese forces to victory over the Marinids at the Conquest of Ceuta.

August 21 →
1420
Event

Henry the Navigator is appointed governor of the Order of Christ.

May 25 →

More from the Late Medieval

Explore what happened on the days that shaped Henry the Navigator's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.