Final answer:
Prince Henry the Navigator was a major contributor to the Age of Exploration, fostering Portuguese navigation and exploration efforts, establishing a school in Sagres, and enabling the discovery of new sea routes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prince Henry the Navigator was a pivotal figure in the Age of Exploration, playing a significant role in Portugal's maritime history. Prince Henry, the third son of John I, king of Portugal, is widely recognized for his contributions to the development of navigation and the exploration of the African coast. One of his notable accomplishments was establishing a school for navigational studies in Sagres, Portugal, which became a catalyst for Portuguese explorations resulting in the discovery of new ocean routes and the expansion of trade and Christianity.
Under Prince Henry's sponsorship, explorers set out on voyages that extended the boundaries of the known world. This included capturing Ceuta in 1415 and building lighter vessels, such as the caravel, which allowed for more efficient travel down the African coast. The exploratory efforts initiated by Prince Henry laid the groundwork for future explorers such as Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama, and even Christopher Columbus, and were influential in establishing Portugal as a leading maritime power.