[edit] Guide Note:
Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer in the 15th century, who first sailed the sea route to India.
[edit] Fast Facts:
- Born: unknown; presumably in the 1460's
- Birthplace: Sines, Portugal
- Father was a member of the Portuguese court
- Died: December 24, 1524 in India
- Occupation: Explorer, military naval commander
- Spouse: Catarina de Ataíde
[edit] Early Life
Very little is known of da Gama's early life. He was born somewhere between 1460 and 1469, to a noble family. His father was reportedly a military man, and a member of the King's court. Da Gama would have been educated, as noble boys were, and prepared to follow in his family's military tradition. The first mention of him comes in 1492, when King John II of Portugal sent him on a mission to capture French ships who had been harassing Portuguese shipping vessels.
[edit] Explorer
Da Gama was part of an expedition that his father was assigned to lead to open a sea route to Asia. When his father died, command was transferred to da Gama, who sailed from Lisbon in 1497 with a crew of 150. It took him a year to reach Calcutta, after having made stops in South Africa, Mozambique, and Mombasa. He was rewarded with land, money, and titles upon his return to Portugal.
[edit] Military Man
Da Gama was sent back to India in 1502, following reports of violence when local Hindus massacred Portuguese settlers, reportedly at the urging of Arab traders. When da Gama arrived, he captured an Arab merchant vessel, which contained goods and passengers. He reportedly locked the passengers, including women and children, in the ship, and set it on fire, sinking it, and killing all aboard. He then demanded that Arabs be banned from Calcutta, reaching an agreement with local rulers. Another battle with the Arabs occurred on his trip home in 1503.
[edit] Government
Da Gama received further honors upon his return to Lisbon. He functioned as an advisor to the King on
India, and managed his estate in Vidigueira. In 1524, he was sent to India for the third time, to function as viceroy. He fell ill and died upon arrival on December 24, 1524.
