The discoveries of the Portuguese made an impact on every area of human endeavour, as shown in the broad scope and trans-disciplinary nature of the papers collected here. These include a bioagraphy of Prince Henry the Navigator, a history of the Maldive Islands, studies of the movement of populations, the technologies of ship-building and and of astronomical navigation, as well as a computer analysis of Joao de Barros' "Decadas". This book is the first in a series of volumes focusing on the Portuguese discoveries, and their publication coincides with the anniversaries of famous voyages.