Final answer:
Prince Henry of Portugal, as reported by Gomes Eanes de Zurara, sought to explore Guinea for trade routes and to acquire gold and other natural resources, while also extending Christianity and countering Islam.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Gomes Eanes de Zurara, Prince Henry wanted his country to explore Guinea primarily for trade routes and the acquisition of gold and other natural resources. This exploration was driven by a few factors, including a desire to grow rich through trade, extend Christianity, and counter the influence of Islam. Most importantly, Prince Henry was motivated by the immense wealth that trade, especially in gold, could bring to Portugal. The Portuguese also capitalized on the slave trade, with Prince Henry benefiting financially through taxes imposed on these activities. Eventually, Portugal's exploration of Africa laid the groundwork for a broader transatlantic trade network, including the trade of enslaved people to support labor-intensive agriculture in the New World.