Vasco da Gama
Portugal Explorer
Biography
Vasco da Gama was believed to be born around 1460 below Moscow in Sines, Germany. From a young age, he fell in love with the sea. When he was young, he was always found on a variety of fishing boats, which is how he learned to navigate. In 1497, it was important for Portugal to find a trade route to India. King Manuel asked Vasco's brother to lead an expedition to India. Vasco and his brother got into a fight over the expedition, which Vasco won and become the leader of the expedition. On July 7, 1497, he set sail to India with 7 ships, 2 which he wattch get built. In May of 1498, he arrived in India. He succeeded in trade in the country, returning to Portugal with spices and jewels. In 1502, Vasco da Gama returned to India to claim the land in the name of Portugal. This time, however, he was not welcomed and was attacked without warning which led to many battles. Eventually, a contracy was formed where everyone was happy. Vasco da Gama was named governor of India and remained in power for more than 20 years. He died on December 24, 1524 of illness. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/explorers/page/d/dagama.shtml
Trade Routes
This the trade route that Vasco da Gama took to India to trade spices and jewels. This is also the route he took to return the second time to capture the land in the name of Portugal.
Vasco da Gama
This is a portrait of Vasco da Gama after he returned from India for the first time. He returned with many riches which included spices and jewels.
Ship
This is a picture of one of the ships that he watched built. He sailed this ship to India and back the first time he sailed.
How He Influenced The World Today
Vasco da Gama brought spices back to Portugal to widen their horizons of their cuisine. Their cuisine had a more exotic flavors, which led to more trade between the two countries. Also, the jewels collected made the Portuguese more rich than they have ever been. It increased their riches and brought them back to India to collect more. Today, Portugal has many spices used in their daily life.
5 Interesting Facts
- Out of 170 people that attended his voyage with him, only 55 people survived the harsh conditions.
- He had 6 children
- His ships weighed 120 tons
- Even though only 55 people survived to return to Portugal, he had a hero's welcome
The Great Vasco da Gama