Hoping to capitalize on the prevailing winds, he sets a course south along the coast of Africa, then swings out into the Atlantic, only to return to the southeastern coast of Africa. The king hopes to find lucrative markets and to exploit existing Asian commercial networks.Дa Gama commands four vessels as they set sail for India, including his flagship, SГЈoGabriel. King Manuel of Portugal commissions da Gama to lead an expedition to find a sea route to India. The king commissions da Gama to sail to India. His reputation as a fierce sailor and warrior increases. Da Gama travels first to Lisbon and then to the Algarve region of Portugal, where he seizes French ships. The French government disrupts Portuguese shipping, and King John II sends Vasco da Gama to retaliate. Vasco da Gama builds his reputation as a sailor. When da Gama joins the Order of Santiago, his familyвЂ™s prospects improve, especially since the master of the Order later becomes King John II of Portugal. Vasco da Gama joins the Order of Santiago. He develops a reputation as a strong sailor. Little is known about Vasco da GamaвЂ™s early years, but he joins the navy, where he learns to navigate. He is the third son of EstГЄvГЈo da Gama, who commanded the fortress at Sines. Vasco da Gama is born to a noble family in Sines, Portugal. Go here to watch a video about Vasco da Gama.Vasco da Gama is born in Sines, Portugal.(c. Your browser does not support the audio element.

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His second son became governor of Portuguese India. His fleet on the second voyage consisted of 20 armed ships.There is a crater named Vasco da Gama on the Moon.Eventually, the command was given to his son Vasco instead. Originally Vasco's father, Estevao, was going to be given the command of the exploration fleet, but the trip was delayed for many years.However, he died of malaria shortly after arriving. On the third voyage Vasco was to take over as Viceroy of Portuguese India.

The second voyage was more of a military expedition where he captured Arab ships and tried to show the might of the Portuguese navy. Vasco da Gama commanded two more fleets to India. He was also told to find any other trading opportunities along the way. Vasco da Gama was given a fleet of ships by the king and told to find a trade route around Africa to India. However, many were skeptical and thought that the Indian Ocean did not connect with the Atlantic Ocean.

It was thought that there may be a way around the Cape and to the northeast towards India. The King of Portugal figured if he could find a way to get to India by sailing on the ocean, he would become rich trading spices in Europe.ДЄn explorer by the name of Bartolomeu Dias had discovered the Cape of Good Hope at the tip of Africa. Spices from India were very popular in Europe, however, the only way to travel from Europe to India was over land. He followed in his father's footsteps and soon commanded ships in the king's name. Vasco da Gama was born in a small coastal town in Portugal named Sines. He led the first expedition that traveled from Europe to India by sailing around Africa. Vasco da Gama (1460 - 1524) was a Portuguese explorer.

Best known for: The first European to sail from Europe to India around Africa.

Vasco da gama first voyage