Vasco da Gama (1460 - 1524) was a Portuguese explorer. He led the first expedition that traveled from Europe to India by sailing around Africa.

Where did Vasco da Gama grow up? Vasco da Gama was born in a small coastal town in Portugal named Sines. His father was a knight and an explorer. He followed in his father's footsteps and soon commanded ships in the king's name.

SINES in Portugal

A Trade Route to India

Spices from India were very popular in Europe, however, the only way to travel from Europe to India was over land. This was a long and expensive trip.

The King of Portugal figured if he could find a way to get to India by sailing on the ocean, he would become rich trading spices in Europe. 

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An explorer by the name of Bartolomeu Dias had discovered the Cape of Good Hope at the tip of Africa. It was thought that there may be a way around the Cape and to the northeast towards India. However, many were skeptical and thought that the Indian Ocean did not connect with the Atlantic Ocean.

The Cape of Good Hope