Sea in culture of barbarian invaders and knowledge of geography took a backward step. In the seventh century, Isidore of Seville produced a "wheel map" in which Asia, Africa and Europe were arranged like segments in an orange, separated by the "Mare Mediterranean", "Nilus" and "Tanais" and surrounded by "Oceanus". It was not until the fifteenth century that Ptolemy's maps were used again and Henry the Navigator of Portugal initiated ocean exploration and maritime research. Encouraged by him, Portuguese navigators explored, mapped and charted the west coast of Africa and the Eastern Atlantic and this knowledge prepared the way for the great voyages
Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) is one of eleven current naval regions responsible for the operation and management of Naval shore installations and assigned staff in the European, African and Southwest Asian theaters of operation. EURAFSWA provides the shore support to the United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa, however it is a part of Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). Due to its large area, the region is one of the three CNIC regions commanded by a two star Rear Admiral, currently RADM Rick Williamson, and is headquartered on Naval Support Activity Naples Italy.