They sailed up the eastern coast of Africa and then on to India, arriving in Calicut on May 20. They also named the nearby coastline Natal (Christmas in Portuguese). On December 16, they sailed past the stopping point of Dias, the furthest-known area to Europeans. They made their way around the tip of Africa, stopping at several ports along the way. Vasco left on July 8, 1497, with a fleet of four ships and a crew of 150 men. Once Dias had returned, the table was set for someone else to achieve even more greatness for Portugal. Portugal was one of Europe's leading countries in exploration, led for many years by Prince Henry the Navigator, a very rich man who had a passion for broadening the boundaries of the known world. For many years, Portuguese sailors had sailed the high seas, following in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus. Portugal also wanted to be considered a powerful nation. The goal was to bring back spices and jewels. Though he was young, Vasco was granted the honor of commanding the next great expedition, with the goal being establishing a trade route to India by sailing around the southern tip of Africa. Bartolomeu Dias had recently returned from his voyage around the Cape of Good Hope, and the Portuguese crown wanted more. He played an important role in the defense of Portuguese colonies on the coast of Guinea, and this brought him recognition from many people, including the Portuguese monarchs.
He grew up the son of an important man, Estevao da Gama, and learned the life of a sailor and soldier.
Vasco was born at Sines, in Portugal, in 1469. He also realized the dream of the famed Prince Henry the Navigator. He lived in an exciting time of exploration and fulfilled the promise begun by several of his predecessors.
Vasco da Gama gained everlasting fame as the first European explorer to reach India.
0 kommentar(er)
