Vasco Da Gama By: Katey Paul

Introduction Vasco Da Gama was Portuguese sailor and explorer. He was the first person to sail from Europe to India. Da Gama sailed around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. His discovery was a huge monument in the history of navigation. Vasco Da Gama was a very intelligent sailor and explorer.

Birth Da Gama was born in Sines, Portugal in 1460. He was born Dom Vasco Da Gama. He came from a noble Portuguese family. Da Gama was the son of a famous and distinguished soldier. He was a smart child growing up and knew lots of languages. Da Gama was educated in physics, geometry, and astronomy.

Timeline In 1492, King John II sent Da Gama to South Lisbon and then to the Algarve region of the country to seize the French ships who raided Portuguese ships. In 1497, King Manuel I financed a voyage to India. In 1498, Da Gama set sail for Portugal. In 1499, he was made “Admiral of the Indian Ocean.” In 1499, Dom returned home from India with Indian spices and jewels. In 1502, King Manuel I sent Da Gama back to India.

Timeline In 1503, he returned home, but only 55 of him men were with him. No longer 170. In 1519, Dom was titled “Count.” In 1524, King John III sent Da Gama to India as the Portuguese viceroy. On January 23rd, 1524 Da Gama felt ill. On January 24th, 1524 Dom Vasco Da Gama died from Malaria.

ff Expedition: India (1947-1948) When he left for his voyage, most people believed that his trip was impossible. Many believed that the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean did not connect. Da Gama believed it was possible. Da Gama set sail from Lisbon, Portugal on July 8th, 1947 with 4 ships of men. The ships sailed the Atlantic Ocean for 5 months before they sailed around the Cape of Good Hope. On November 22nd, 1947, they sailed into the Indian Ocean on. On May 20th, 1498, Vasco Da Gama reached India.

Expedition On October 5th, 1498 Da Gama and his ships sailed back to Lisbon, Portugal. When they returned in September, most of Da Gama’s crew had died on the ships due to the length of the voyage. He left with 170 members and cam back with only 55. That means 115 died during the voyage.

Fun Facts Vasco’s fathers name was Estevao Da Gama. Vasco’s mothers name was Isabel Sodre. His wife's name was Catarina De Ataide- Da Gama. He was 56 when he died. A bridge was named after him. He has a statue in Portugal.