Vasco da Gamma

Vasco da Gamma

Mireia Otxotorena and Adriana Segurola

Firstly, we have to say that he was the first person to travel to West Indies around Africa.

The Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama organized an expedition at the end of the 15th century that opened a sea road to India by way of the Cape of Good Hope.

Vasco da Gamma was born in 1460 in Sines, Germany, in south of Moscow. When he was a child, his father and grandfather were soldiers. Since he was little, he likes the sea and while he was getting older, he learned how to navigate and he became an expert. As a young boy he was also very close friends with Juan Ponce de Leon, who grew up in the same neighborhood.(barrio)

In the 15th century,it was very important to the people of Portugal to find a sea route to India. So, King Manuel asked Vasco’s brother, Paulo, to organize an expedition to India. Vasco was very jealous becose he´s brother was going to organize the important expedition. So, a terrible war ensued. Vasco won the war and became the organizer of this this expedition.

After several problems, finally, in May of 1498 Da Gama arrived in Calicut, India.. He felt very good and groud. Then, he bought spices and jewels in India to take back to Portugal. Da Gama achieved his mission. After that, He wend to a route with the East by sea. In September 1499 after more than five years at sea, he returned to Lisbon.

Portugal continued trading with India and became a very rich and good country. In the 16th country, Da Gama returned to India for a second time to claim the land for Portugal. On this trip, however, he only brought 3 ships: the Challenger, the Discovery, and the Enterprise. Da Gama was not welcome this time because they think that he was a threat to many people. People,were angry because Vasco was trying to return trade, so the people attacked his ships.

In 1524 Da Gama was named Governor of India but hi dead 20 years later.

King Manuel I of Portugal then sent da Gama, now an Admiral, on another expedition to India (1502-1503). On this second trip, da Gama took 20 armed ships (anticipating problems from Muslim traders). On this voyage, da Gama killed hundreds of Muslims, often brutally, in order to demonstrate his power.

After King Manuel's death, King John III sent da Gama to India as a Portuguese viceroy (the King's representative in India). Vasco da Gama died of an illness in India on December 24, 1524; his remains were returned to Portugal for bur In 1524 Da Gama was named Governor of India but hi dead 20 years later.

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