Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer. He was born in Sines, Portugal, around 1469. He was the first European to sail directly from Europe to India. His voyage opened up a new trade route for spices and other goods.

Early Life

Da Gama grew up in a noble family in Portugal. His father was also an explorer. Vasco learned navigation and sailing at a young age. The King of Portugal chose him to lead an important voyage to India.

An old painted portrait of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.
An old painted portrait of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. (Sailko / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

In 1497, da Gama sailed from Lisbon, Portugal, around the tip of Africa. After months at sea, he reached Calicut, India, in 1498. This opened a sea route for the spice trade. He made two more trips to India and was eventually named the Viceroy of India.

Fun Facts

  • Da Gama's voyage to India was about 24,000 miles round trip.
  • Many of his sailors died from scurvy because they did not have enough vitamin C.
  • He brought back spices that were worth 60 times the cost of his voyage.

Did You Know?

Before da Gama's voyage, spices like pepper and cinnamon from Asia were incredibly expensive in Europe. His sea route made it cheaper to bring these goods to Europe and changed world trade forever.