From the early fifteenth century, Portugal led European exploration along West Africa’s southern coast. Driven by the search for gold, ivory, and a sea route to Asia, Portuguese voyages reshaped local politics, commerce, and cross-cultural encounters. 1415: Conquest of Ceuta and Foundation of Prince Henry’s School In August 1415, King John I of Portugal’s army, including his son Infante Dom Henrique—better known as Prince Henry the Navigator—captured Ceuta, a fortified port city on North Africa’s […]