Vasco da Gama's Explorations

The birth of Vasco da Gama

Jan 1, 1460

Vasco da Gama was born in the oceanside city of Sines, Portugal. The exact date of his birth is unkown, but he was born in the year of 1460. Picture: Castle and parish church of Sines, Portugal

Vasco da Gama's first voyage

Jul 8, 1497

Vasco da Gama was employed by the Portuguese government in 1497 to find a route to India. At the time, people were not aware that one can travel below Africa and back up to India from Europe. Vasco da Gama was the first to sail to India around the Cape of Good Hope to India. The purpose was for trading and other oppurtunities between India and Portugal. Picture: The route followed in Vasco da Gama's first voyage.

Vasco da Gama's Landing

May 20, 1498

After sailing south from Portugal, east around Afrca, and back north towards India, Vasco da Gama and his crew landed in Calicut, India. He brought simple items for trade and the leader of India was not pleased. He then took over sixteen Indians by force because he was not happy with the trading oppurtunities. Picture: Vasco da Gama standing in prow of rowboat

Return of Vasco da Gama's voyage

Sep 9, 1499

Vasco da Gama, two of his original three ships, and half of his original crew returned to Portugal. They returned in Lisbon, Portugal. Vasco da Gama was praised for his important voyage. He made a few other minor voyages besides this one. This voyage was important because he was the first to reach India by sailing around the tip of Africa. Picture: Statue of King John I (The Praça da Figueira). Lisbon, Portugal, Southwestern Europe.

The death of Vasco da Gama

Dec 24, 1524

Vasco da Gama set out for a voyage back to India in early 1524, but died of Malaria soon after. He achieved many awards before his death. Picture: Plain bespoke stone coffin.