Select one of the people described below - Junior Cycle History - Question B (i) - 2009

One notable leader during the Age of Exploration is Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese navigator and explorer.

Early Life

Vasco da Gama was born around 1460 in Sines, Portugal. He came from a noble family and received a comprehensive education, which included navigation, mathematics, and astronomy.

Major Voyage

In 1497, King Manuel I of Portugal commissioned da Gama to find a sea route to India. Commanding a fleet of four ships, da Gama sailed from Lisbon and made his way down the coast of Africa, surpassing the Cape of Good Hope. His journey took him to the Indian Ocean, marking a crucial turning point in the history of trade.

Significance of the Voyage

Vasco da Gama’s expedition made it possible for Portugal to establish a trade route to India. He reached the shores of Calicut in May 1498, establishing direct maritime trade with Asia, which significantly enriched Portugal and contributed to the Age of Discovery.

Legacy

Da Gama's successful voyage opened the doors for future explorations and established Portugal as a major player in the Asian trade. He later returned to India in 1502 on his second voyage, further solidifying Portugal's presence in the Indian Ocean. His accomplishments are celebrated in Portugal and are viewed as pivotal in global maritime history.