Dr. Suk Kyoon Kim - The History of Piracy and Navigation

Caravela Redonda

Guns had been mounted on the decks of ships since the 14th century. However, the improvements of the guns starting in the mid-14th century considerably increased their weight, forcing ships to mount them low on the hull for stability. A gun port – an opening in the side of the hullof a ship – above the waterline, allowed the muzzle of artillery pieces mounted on the gun deckto fire outside. Ships featuring gun ports were said to be pierced, since the ports were cut through the hull after the construction. Piercing gun ports had grown into a common practice by 1501. As a result, a heavier armament for large ships was possible. Even with more cannons in the hull, the stability and maneuverability of a ship were better than if cannons had been mounted on the deck. A musket, which was a muzzle-loaded, smoothbore long gun, capable of penetrating heavy armor, was developed in Sagres. Caravels, cannons mounted in the hull and muskets were new forces that ushered in the Age of Discovery.

Searching for the Golden State

For ocean-going sailing, navigational aids such as the compass and quadrant were essential. Prince Henry instructed the leading engineers, invited from Italy, to devise navigational aids. He also employed experienced Italian sailors. While Prince Henry had ruled Ceuta, he learned of an interesting story about Africa. It was about the legendary Christian empire that the priest king Prester John had built as well as the Golden State that was presumed to be situated somewhere south of the empire. Prince Henry, motivated by religious passion and economic gains as well, sent expeditions to the coast of West Africa, upon the completion of preparations for voyages.

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