Navigate And Locate! Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Navigator

One of the stories told about Prince Henry is that he established a navigation school at Sagres. The location of Sagres was considered to be at Portugal's Sagres Point (near Cape st Vincent). Shipbuilding, navigating, and map making were studied there, and it was made the main base for exploration. Even though there is some disagreement on whether this happened, it is true that he was instrumental in organizing what eventually became the University of Lisbon.

Answer: Portugal

Prince Henry was the third son of King John I and his queen, Philippa of Lancaster. In 1420 he became the governor of the Order of Christ, which was founded in Portugal after the Knight's Templar was disbanded. This was an important appointment, as it assured that there would be money for his projects.

In addition, after the death of his father, his elder brother, Edward, offered Henry the right to the profits in all areas where he established trade, and the sole right to organize expeditions beyond Portugal's known regions.

Answer: Prester John

According to the legend, Prester John was descended from one of the Magi who visited Christ. It was said that he established a Christian kingdom in the midst of Moslems and pagans somewhere in the Orient, which contained many wonders and treasures. One of his possessions was a magic mirror, which enabled him to see every province he ruled.

Answer: Caravels

Part of the difficulty in exploration came from the fact that ships that were being used were just too heavy and slow. The caravel was developed by Portugual in the 15th century; some sources give Prince Henry credit for its development, while others claim his role is just part of the Prince Henry legend. Irregardless, the ship did ensure Portugal's success in navigation at the time.

It was smaller and could be easily maneuvered. It could even sail upriver in more shallow waters. No doubt about it - the caravel was the best sailing ship of the time!

Answer: Africa

Little was known about Africa, and it was difficult to persuade sailors to explore its coast - especially the farther south they sailed into the unknown. Along with the typical "falling off the edge of the world" and "sea monster" myths, sailors believed that it was so hot that the water boiled.

In addition they feared the heat would scorch their skin. Charting new territory was an extremely slow process in spite of the potential wealth that could be found.

Answer: Christianity

Sources claim that Prince Henry was an extremely religious man. As a young man, he took a vow of celibacy, which he was determined to honor. He was also interested in upholding the teachings of the Catholic Church; he observed fast days, and wore a horsehair shirt at times as a form of penance. Sources also say that he saw exploration as a continuation of the Crusades, and that he began the policy of violence toward pagan natives and infidels that was continued for a very long time by other exploring countries as well.

Answer: Madeira Islands

Considered to be Portugal's first territory claimed at the beginning of the Age of Exploration, the Madeira Islands were rediscovered (of course, others already knew of its existence - the islands were drawn on maps as early as 1339) by two of Prince Henry's captains whose ships were blown off course during a storm.

Initially the plan was to cultivate wheat to export to Portugal. However, when yields were not as great as expected, Prince Henry decided to see if sugarcane would grow on the islands. Sweet success!

Answer: True

The Azores originally began to appear on maps about 1351, and it is unclear who the first "discovers" might have been. Located over nine hundred miles west of Lisbon, many in Prince Henry's time believed that they were just too remote for settlement. Since there were no large animals found on the islands, the story is that at some time before colonization, sheep were left there. Portugal began to send settlers sometime around 1430.

Answer: Sargasso Sea

Although others may have reached sooner, the Portuguese under the direction of Prince Henry sailed far enough west to reach this sea. The seaweed is really no threat to ships, however, when Columbus and his men reached the area, there was talk of getting stranded in the area, and the fear of potential sea monsters, of course! In reality the calm winds of the area are more the cause of endless drifting.

Answer: Cape Bojador

Gil Eanes reluctantly found that it might be possible to sail south of Cape Bojador in 1434. The cape was known for it's violent seas, and many ships had been lost, however, Prince Henry ordered Eanes to continue to press southward. Overcoming this obstacle promised even greater gain to come!