Vasco da Gama
By Aubrey Zahner
Who is he?
Vasco da Gama was a famous explorer during the 1400s and the 1500s. He is known for being the first European to travel to India through the sea. This link by sea made travel and trade between Europe and Asia much quicker and more efficient.
Why India?
Da Gama traveled to India to establish a more efficient trade route. The Indians were known for their luxury spices such as cinnamon and pepper, and increasing trade with them would boost the economy in Portugal-where da Gama sailed from-, and other places in Europe.
Da Gama's Second Expedition
When King Manuel I of Portugal sent da Gama on another expedition to India, da Gama requested 20 army ships to take along with him. As he traveled, he killed hundreds of Muslims in terrible ways. It is said that he did so to make his power known, because the first time he sailed to India the Muslims refused trade with him.