Vasco+Da+Gama

Vasco Da Gama

by Faidra and Tiki



 Vasco Da Gama was an explorer from Portugal. Da Gama was born in Sines, Portugal in 1460. No one knows how he died but some say he was killed while others say he died from old age. We do know that he died December 24, 1524, in India, when he was 55. He was buried in Portugal.  Vasco Da Gama’s first journey started on July 1497. He was to find a northern route to Asia to trade. He set off on his first voyage with four ships.The flagship was called Gabriel. Other ships were the Sao Rafael and Star ship. He stopped off the coast of Africa to trade.When he stopped, sometimes the traders did not want him to trade there. Other times some of the places would welcome him like in Malind. A famous Arab pilot named Ahmad Ind Majid helped him on his voyage. He arrived in Calcutta, India on May 20th, 1498. Da gama left the Indies with five hostages and the Muslims were angry.  Da gama discovered the western route to Asia. The men he took with him were convicts. He took them because he did not care if they died. He got back to Lisbon in 1499. Many sailors died along the way from the disease scurvy because they did not have enough vitamin C in their bodies. When he came back they had a celebration for him.  Da gama went on a second voyage on February12th, 1502. This time he had 20 ships. He killed many innocent Indians and Muslims. At one time to show his power he put 380 women men and children locked in the brig. Then he set the boat on fire and it took four days for the ship to sink with every one in it. He went back to the city of Calcutta and they signed a treaty. In February 1503, he returned home.  Vasco Da Gamma was an amazing explorer. He will be remembered sailing the north coast of Africa and India.