Navigational schools

Definition

Navigational schools were educational institutions established in the late 15th century, primarily in Portugal, to train navigators and explorers in maritime skills. These schools played a crucial role in the Age of Discovery by providing the knowledge necessary for long sea voyages, including cartography, astronomy, and navigation techniques. The advancements made in these schools contributed significantly to European exploration and expansion during this transformative period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Navigational schools were pivotal in training a new generation of sailors and navigators who could venture into uncharted waters.
2. These institutions emphasized practical skills and knowledge of maps, which was essential for successful long-distance navigation.
3. The curriculum included studies in geography, mathematics, and astronomy, enabling explorers to determine their position at sea accurately.
4. Notable navigational schools include the School of Sagres, which was associated with Prince Henry the Navigator and influenced future generations of explorers.
5. The techniques and technologies developed at navigational schools helped launch expeditions that led to the discovery of new lands and trade routes, significantly impacting global trade.

Review Questions

• How did navigational schools contribute to advancements in maritime exploration during the Age of Discovery?
  • Navigational schools provided essential training for explorers by teaching them vital skills such as cartography, navigation techniques, and celestial navigation using instruments like the astrolabe. These advancements allowed sailors to undertake longer and more ambitious voyages across unknown waters. The knowledge gained at these schools not only equipped explorers with practical abilities but also fostered an environment of innovation that ultimately led to significant discoveries and the expansion of European influence globally.
• Evaluate the role of Prince Henry the Navigator in the establishment of navigational schools and its impact on European exploration.
  • Prince Henry the Navigator played a critical role in promoting maritime exploration through his sponsorship of navigational schools, particularly the School of Sagres. His efforts focused on gathering scholars, cartographers, and navigators who could develop new techniques and share knowledge about sea travel. As a result of his initiatives, Portugal became a leader in exploration, setting precedents for other European nations to follow and significantly impacting global exploration patterns.
• Assess how the educational developments at navigational schools influenced European interactions with newly discovered lands during the Renaissance.
  • The educational developments at navigational schools fundamentally transformed European interactions with newly discovered lands by equipping explorers with advanced skills for navigation and mapping. This preparation allowed them to engage with indigenous peoples more effectively, establish trade routes, and lay claim to new territories. The integration of scientific knowledge with practical skills enabled European powers to dominate global maritime trade and colonization efforts, shaping the geopolitical landscape during and after the Renaissance.

Related terms

Caravel: A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century that was instrumental for exploration and trade, particularly by the Portuguese.

Astrolabe: An ancient astronomical instrument used by sailors to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, aiding in navigation at sea.

Prince Henry the Navigator:

A Portuguese prince who sponsored numerous exploratory voyages along the West African coast and was a key figure in the development of navigational schools.