A History of Agriculture in India v2.c72.s3.2

v2.c72.s3.2

Prince Henry established an observatory and a school for navigation at Sagre. He summoned learned mathematicians, astronomers, cartographers, and navigators from all parts of Europe. He engaged the most famous cosmographer of the age, Jafuda Cresques, a Catalan Jew from Majorca. He also collected most daring captains and mariners he could find. Charts were made, and the working of the mariner’s compass was improved. He also realized that ships which were good enough for coastal trade were not suitable for sailing in open seas. He improved the caravel, and also the galleon, which carried batteries of cannon, and became a floating fortress.