Final answer:
Prince Henry the Navigator, a Portuguese royal, significantly contributed to the Age of Discovery by establishing a school that advanced navigation techniques, leading to Portuguese explorations along Africa's coast and the charting of new trade routes to Asia, which had profound global impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prince Henry the Navigator was a pivotal figure in the Age of Discovery, being the third son of John I, king of Portugal. His nickname, "the Navigator", was derived from his intense support of navigational advancement, which manifested in his creation of a navigation school in Sagres. Through his efforts, Portugal began explorations along the African coast, seeking trade opportunities and the spread of Christianity. These explorations under Prince Henry's auspices laid the groundwork for the Portuguese maritime empire and played a significant role in charting new trade routes to Asia.
In 1415, Prince Henry helped Portugal secure Ceuta, sparking his interest in Africa's wealth and the Muslim world. His school in Sagres was a hub for innovation, bringing together shipbuilders, cartographers, and instrument makers, which allowed for advancements like the caravel. These advancements led to the discovery of new lands, fostered competition, and set the stage for the global age of exploration that changed the course of history.