It took less than one month to reach India during their first voyage. The ships were named São Gabriel, São Rafael, Bérrio, and then, São Miguel. Vasco da Gama took 170 men and four vessels with him on his journey.

King Manuel had sent da Gama to India in order to establish a trade route to the west and to successfully navigate a route that many had failed to do before him. Vasco da Gama was the first European to reach India by seaĭuring the reign of the Portuguese King Manuel I in 1495–1499, Vasco da Gama made the first recorded trip to India from Europe via the Atlantic Ocean. Vasco da Gama was the third eldest of five brothers. His mother was Isabel Sodré and his parents had six children. He was born in the Portuguese Town of Sones, which is in the south-west of Portugal.Ī relatively unknown fact about Vasco da Gama is that his father was a well-respected Portuguese knight by the name of Estevao da Gama. Some historians believe that he was born in 1460 while many others claim that he was born in 1469. Historians can not agree on his the birth date of Vasco da GamaĪ lot of Vasco da Gama’s early life remains a mystery and there is a lot of debate as to when exactly he was born.

Here are ten interesting facts about Vasco da Gama. His influence is undeniable, though, his reputation is not without its flaws. The Portuguese born navigator changed the way that Europe traded with India and also introduced the continent to many different spices, fabrics and riches. Vasco da Gama is one of the most celebrated but also controversial explorers in the history of Europe.

Who is vasco da gama