Prince Henry the Navigator

Prince Henry the Navigator wanted to find a way to the Orient because the Eurpeans would pay lots to be able to have the spices from there. He thought he could do that by sailing down around Africa.  But no ship captains dared to do that.  He sent them on small trips down Africa.  He had them make charts and sail farther and farther until they reached Cape Town.  They were a part of the school he had started.  Prince Henry was the one that improved the compass so it worked better.  He started making captains of the ships write logs.  And he was the one that inspired Christopher Columbus to sail west and find America.  He also designed the ships that later were used by Columbus.