IN THE 15TH CENTURY, THE PORTUGUESE PRINCE HENRY THE NAVIGATOR (HENRIQUE O NAVEGADOR) SUMMONED THE BEST CARTOGRAPHERS AND NAVIGATORS OF HIS TIME AND INSTRUCTED THEM TO EXPLORE THE SHORES OF THE AFRICAN COASTLINE. THEY THEREBY WON EXPERTISE IN NAVIGATION AND SHIPBUILDING, HERALDING THE AGE OF EXPLORATION AND ENABLING PORTUGAL TO LATER TO FIND A SEA TRADE ROUTE TO INDIA AND CHINA. IN NAVAGADOR, PLAYERS REPRESENT WEALTHY TRADE DYNASTIES SEEKING FAME AND FORTUNE BY BUILDING UP THE PORTUGUESE COLONIAL EMPIRE.