We can’t ignore the elephant in the caravel. Henry’s expeditions also kicked off the Atlantic slave trade. His ships returned with captured Africans, sold in European markets. It’s a brutal, undeniable stain on his legacy.
Modern historians rightly call this out. But understanding Henry means seeing the full picture: a man who loved knowledge, funded science, and yet profited from human suffering. It’s a reminder that progress never comes clean.
What you can do today: read about the African kingdoms—Mali, Songhai, Kongo—that existed before European contact. They had gold, universities, and complex trade networks. Henry didn’t “discover” them; he simply barged in.
Your Weekend Mini-Quest
Want to channel Henry’s vibe without the colonialism? Try this: plan a micro-adventure. Pick a place in your city you’ve never visited. Map out a route using public transit (or a bike). Bring a notebook. You’re not conquering anything—you’re just charting your own small unknown.
10 Prince Henry the Navigator Accomplishments - Have Fun With History
Bonus points for trying a dish from a culture you know little about. Henry’s sailors ate dried fish and hardtack. You can do better. Try jemma from Ethiopia or bunny chow from South Africa.
Lastly, draw your own “map.” It doesn’t need coordinates. Just sketch a path to a goal you’ve been avoiding. Henry did it with parchment and ink. You have Google Draw. No excuses.
