The voyage traveled through various ports and destinations including Mombasa, Mogadishu, Malindi, and, finally, Calcit, India.

The first voyage of Vasco da Gama departed on July 8, 1497. His discoveries led to Portugal not only establishing a presence in India, but they were able to expand their empire into all of Asia. Vasco da Gama was able to find a direct route and the impact was enormous. The Mediterranean was highly disputed and Arabia was extremely dangerous. There were great dangers following the traditional routes. The young da Gama was afforded the opportunity based on his successes in protecting Portuguese interests from French plunderers on the African Gold Coast. The offer, ironically, was originally intended to be given to Vasco da Gama’s father. Vasco da Gama would become this explorer and he was tasked with the responsibility by Munual I. Only a talented explorer would be able to actually devise the route and actually command a ship to follow the route. A discovery was made that revealed a possible route from what is today modern South Africa could open a portal to India.

Finding a route to India that entailed traveling around Africa was a huge priority to the monarchy in Portugal. One of the more lucrative trade and merchant routes was the one that led to the spice markets of India. Overall, these explorations were not anywhere nearly as successful as they needed to be. Many of the early explorations were for gold and they focused mainly on the African coast. Exploring Parts of Portugalĭuring the early 1500s, there was great interest in seafaring exploration on the part of Portugal. He also followed his father’s footsteps and joined the Military Order of Saint James of the Sword. What is known is he was a serious student of navigation and mathematics. We know very little about the upbringing and early life of da Gama because records were never kept. His father was a knight who served in prestigious factions of the military. More than likely, he developed a love for the sea after being exposed to the many fishing adventures he grew up around.

He may have been born in the seacoast region of Alentejo in Portugal, which was known for its fishing industry.

The exact place and year of birth for Vasco da Gama is not exactly known. His contributions to exploration forever changed the scope of trade, merchant expansion, and the growth of European influence throughout the world. A leader in the era known as the Age of Discovery, Vasco da Gama was the man who commanded ships from Europe to India. Vasco da Gama is one of the most respected explorers in world history. Sines or Vidigueira, Alentejo, Kingdom of Portugal

What did vasco da gama sail for