Born into the Age of Discovery
Vasco da Gama was born around 1460 in Sines, Portugal.
He grew up during a time when European nations were eager to explore the world.
Portugal, in particular, wanted to find a sea route to India to trade for valuable spices like pepper and cinnamon.
Young Vasco studied navigation and mathematics, preparing for a life at sea.
A Royal Mission
In 1497, King Manuel I of Portugal chose da Gama to lead an expedition to find a direct sea route to India.
This was a bold and dangerous mission.
Many explorers had tried before, but none had succeeded in reaching India by sea from Europe.
Sailing into the Unknown
Da Gama set sail from Lisbon with four ships in July 1497.
He sailed south along the coast of Africa, rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and stopped at several ports in East Africa, including Mozambique and Kenya.
With the help of a local guide in Malindi, he crossed the Indian Ocean.
Reaching India
In May 1498, after nearly a year at sea, Vasco da Gama reached Calicut on the southwestern coast of India.
It was a major center of the spice trade.
However, his arrival was not warmly welcomed.
The local ruler and merchants were not interested in what da Gama had to offer, and negotiations were tense.
Return to Portugal
Da Gama left India with only a small amount of valuable goods.
The journey back was long and deadly ― many of his crew died from scurvy and exhaustion.
Still, when he returned to Portugal in 1499, he was welcomed as a hero.
He had found a sea route to India, opening the door for future trade.
A Second Voyage
In 1502, da Gama returned to India with a larger fleet and more firepower.
This time, he came not just to trade, but also to force better terms through military strength.
He bombarded ports, attacked rival ships, and demanded cooperation from local rulers.
His actions marked the beginning of Portuguese domination in the Indian Ocean.
Final Years and Legacy
In 1524, da Gama was sent back to India as the Portuguese viceroy.
However, he passed away shortly after arriving, in the city of Cochin.
His body was later returned to Portugal.
Vasco da Gama’s voyages changed global trade forever.
He helped establish a sea route that allowed Portugal to build a vast trading empire.
However, his aggressive tactics also brought violence and control over other cultures.
Today, he is remembered both as a brilliant explorer and a symbol of European expansion.
“I am not afraid of the darkness. Real passing is preferable to a life without living.”
『Vasco da Gama’s Voyage of Discovery』*Journeyman Pictures, 1998
No clearly recorded words remain from Vasco da Gama himself,
but symbolic phrases that reflect his spirit of exploration are often used in films and educational works.
