What significant contribution did Prince Henry the Navigator make to maritime exploration in the 1400s?

Prince Henry the Navigator played a crucial role in advancing maritime exploration in the 1400s by establishing a school of navigation in Portugal. This institution became a hub for learning and innovation, bringing together some of the best navigators, cartographers, and sailors of the time. The school provided training in navigation techniques, shipbuilding, and the use of new tools such as the astrolabe and compass, which were essential for long sea voyages. By promoting education and knowledge sharing, Prince Henry laid the groundwork for future explorations along the African coast and beyond, contributing significantly to the age of discovery. His efforts also led to the establishment of new trade routes and a better understanding of ocean navigation, which were pivotal for later explorers in their endeavors.