It so happened that most of the grandiose geographical discoveries occurred during the Renaissance. Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, Ferdinand Magellan, Hernando Cortes - this is an incomplete list of discoverers of new lands of that time. The Portuguese conqueror of India, Vasco da Gama, also joins the cohort of glorious travelers.

The early years of the future navigator

Vasco da Gama is one of the six children of the Alcaida of the Portuguese town of Sines Estevan da Gama. Vasco Alvaro's ancestor Annis da Gama served faithfully during the Reconquista to King Afonso III. For outstanding services shown during the fight against the Moors, Alvaru was awarded and knighted. The acquired title was subsequently inherited by the descendants of the brave warrior.

Estevan da Gama's duties included, on behalf of the king, overseeing the implementation of laws in the town entrusted to him. Together with the hereditary Englishwoman Isabel Sodre, he created a strong family, into which a third son, Vasco, was born in 1460.

Since childhood, the boy raved about the sea and travel. Already, as a schoolboy, he enjoyed learning the basics of navigation. This hobby later came in handy on long journeys.

Around 1480, the young da Gama entered the Order of Santiago. From a young age, the young man actively participated in battles at sea. He was so successful that in 1492 he captured French ships that took possession of a Portuguese caravel carrying significant reserves of gold from Guinea. It was this operation that was Vasco da Gama's first success as a navigator and military man.

Predecessors of Vasco da Gama

The economic development of Renaissance Portugal was directly dependent on trade international routes, from which at that time the country was very remote. Eastern values ​​- spices, jewelry and other goods - had to be purchased at very high prices. high cost. Exhausted by the Reconquista and the war with Castile, the Portuguese economy could not afford such expenses.

However, the geographical location of the country contributed to the opening of new trade routes on the shores of the Black Continent. It was through Africa that the Portuguese Prince Enrique hoped to find a way to India in order to freely receive goods from the East in the future. Under the leadership of Enrique (in history - Henry the Navigator), the entire eastern coast of Africa was explored. Gold and slaves were brought from there, and strongholds were created there. However, despite all efforts, the ships of Enrique's subjects did not reach the equator.

After the death of the infante in 1460, attention to expeditions to the southern coasts faded somewhat. But after 1470, interest in the African side increased again. It was during this period that the islands of Sao Tome and Principe were discovered. And 1486 was marked by the discovery of a large part south coast Africa along the equator.

During the reign of John II, it was repeatedly proven that, having circumnavigated Africa, one could easily reach the shores of the coveted India - a storehouse of oriental wonders. In 1487, Bartolomeo Dias discovered the Cape of Good Hope, proving that Africa did not extend all the way to the Pole.

But the very achievement of the Indian shores occurred much later, after the death of João II and during the reign of Manuel I.

Expedition preparation

Journey Bartolomeo Dias made it possible to build four ships that meet the requirements of a long journey. One of them, the flagship sailing ship San Gabriel, was commanded by Vasco da Gama himself. The three others - "San Rafael", "Berriu" and a transport ship were led by Vasco's brother Paulo, Nicolau Coelho and Gansalo Nuniz. The guide of the travelers was the legendary Peru Aleker, who went with Dias himself. In addition to the sailors, the expedition included a priest, a clerk, an astronomer and several interpreters who knew native dialects.

In addition to a variety of provisions and drinking water, the ships were equipped with numerous weapons. Halberds, crossbows, pikes, cold blades, and cannons were designed to protect the crew in case of danger.

In 1497, after long and careful preparation, the expedition led by Vasco da Gama left its native shores and moved towards the coveted India.

Maiden voyage

On July 8, 1497, Vasco da Nama's armada departed from the shores of Lisbon. The expedition headed for the Cape of Good Hope. Having rounded it, the ships easily reached the coast of India.

The route of the armada extended along the Canary Islands, which already belonged to Spain at that time. Next, the flotilla replenished supplies on the Cape Verde Islands, and, delving into Atlantic Ocean Having reached the equator, the ships turned to the southeast. For three long months the sailors were forced to sail along endless water before the land appeared on the horizon. It was a cozy bay, later called St. Helena Island. The planned repairs of the ships were interrupted by a sudden attack on the sailors by local residents.

The harsh weather conditions presented real challenges to the sailors. The storms' allies included scurvy, ship breakdowns, and inhospitable natives.

On the way to India, travelers stopped on the shores of Mozambique, in the port of Mombasa, in the territory of Malindi. The reception of the Portuguese ships varied. The Sultan of Mozambique suspected Vasco da Gama of dishonesty, and the sailors had to leave the country's shores in a hurry. Sheikh Malindi was in awe of the exploits of da Gama, who, on the way to Kenya, managed to crash an Arab dhow and capture 30 Arabs. The ruler entered into an alliance with Vasco against a common enemy and provided an experienced pilot to cross the Indian Ocean.

Despite some disappointment from trade with the Indians, heavy human losses and the fact that two out of four ships returned to their home bay, the first experience of traveling to India was very positive. Revenues from the sale of Indian goods exceeded the costs of the Portuguese expedition by 60 times.

Second trip to the East

During the break between the first and second campaigns to the Indian shores, Vasco da Gama managed to marry Catarina di Adaidi, daughter of Alkaid Alvor. However, exorbitant ambitions and a thirst for travel forced Vasco to take part in the second arcade of Portugal. It was organized with the aim of pacifying the Indians, who burned the Portuguese trading post and drove European traders out of the country.

The second expedition to the Indian shores consisted of 20 ships, 10 of which went to India, five interfered with Arab trade and five guarded trading posts. The expedition set sail on February 10, 1502. As a result of a series of operations, Portuguese trading posts were opened in Sofala and Mozambique, the Emir of Kilwa was defeated and imposed tribute, and the Arab ship was burned along with its pilgrim passengers.

In the fight against the rebellious Zamorin of Calicut, Vasco da Gama was merciless. The city was shelled, Indians hanged from masts, severed limbs and heads of unfortunates sent to the Zamorin - all these atrocities were a response to the infringement of the interests of the Portuguese. As a result of such actions, in October 1503, the Portuguese flotilla returned to the port of Lisbon without much loss and with huge booty. Vasco da Gama was awarded the title of count, an increase in pension and land holdings.

Vasco da Gama's third voyage and his death

In 1521, Manuel I's son João III began to rule Portugal. Soon the king's profits from trade with India began to decrease significantly. The way out of the unpleasant situation, according to John III, was the appointment of Vasco da Gama as the fifth Viceroy of India. In order to clarify the circumstances, in April 1524, an expedition led by Vasco sailed to India for the third time. This time he was accompanied by two sons, experienced sailors Paulo and Estevan.

Having reached Goa, the Viceroy punished all those who abused the colonial administration. Having exposed and punished all the guilty parties, Da Gama left for Cochin. However, already on the way I began to feel the first signs of malaria. Soon, simple malaise gave way to serious abscesses on the neck and back of the head. Experiencing incredible torment, Vasco became irritable and grumpy. He never saw the dawn of December 24, 1524. Death found him on the road. The body of the great traveler, Viceroy of India, Count, Admiral Vasco da Gama was transported to Portugal in 1539 and buried in the Jeronimos Monastery on the Lisbon outskirts of Santa Maria de Belem.

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One of the most famous navigators, who was from Portugal, and the discoverer of the route from Europe to India, is Vasco da Gama, with whom every schoolchild is familiar thanks to geography lessons. As the commander of three expeditions, he was able to make many discoveries, defending the honor of his ships on the waters in front of pirates and other ill-wishers. For his achievements he was awarded numerous awards and titles.

The future navigator was born in 1460. IN short biography Vasco da Gama can also be found in another version, which indicates that the traveler was born in 1469. His father was a Portuguese knight and member of the Order of Santiago (Estevan da Gama), and his mother was a housewife (Isabel Sodre). Sir Estevan's duties included overseeing the execution of orders in the city entrusted to him. Vasco was the third child in the family and was friends with his older brothers, one of whom (Paulo) also took part in swimming.

Although the da Gama family was not the richest and most noble in the kingdom, it became famous for its famous ancestors who were close to the royal families during the Renaissance. For example, Alvar Annish, who was the great-grandfather of the future conqueror of India, served King Afonso III, was a glorious fighter and knight. This title was inherited by his descendants.

From childhood, da Gama was interested in geography and sea travel. While studying at school, he became interested in the basics of navigation. This hobby became the impetus for further discoveries, and the skills were useful in drawing maps.

Young years and first successes

At the age of 20, da Gama, along with his brothers, joined the Order of Santiago. Available sources contain little information about the traveler's education. Scientists suggest that he received mathematical, navigational and astronomical knowledge in Évora, and one of his teachers was Abraham Zacuto.

While still a young man, he took an active part in naval battles. Of course, opening the route to India is not the only achievement of the great navigator. For the first time, as a military man and conqueror of the seas, he succeeded in 1492. It is difficult to overestimate what Vasco da Gama did for his country at that time. He managed to capture French ships, which took possession of a Portuguese caravel carrying large number jewelry and gold from Guinea. It was then that in Portugal, for the first time, the name of the discoverer of the sea route to India began to sound on the lips of local residents.

Predecessors of the discoverer

During the Renaissance, Portugal experienced difficult times. New sea routes that would have helped develop trade relations with other states did not open because the country was exhausted by the Reconquista and the war with Castile. Various spices, precious metals and stones had to be bought at exorbitant prices, because of this the country's economy suffered.

Thanks to its convenient geographical location, Portuguese sailors were still able to open new trade routes on the shores of Africa. The first attempts were made by Henry the Navigator, who had to explore all the coastal territories of the Black Continent, from where various provisions were subsequently brought, labor force. Despite the creation of many African strongholds, the researchers failed to reach the equator.

Another wave of interest in expeditions to the southern coasts arose in 1470. Then a theory was created about achieving the coveted India with its riches. According to travelers, this could be done by circumnavigating Africa. The main achievement of that time belonged to Bartolomeo Dias, who discovered the Cape of Good Hope.

Preparing for travel to India

The first preparations for the expedition began in 1945, when Manuel I became the ruler of Portugal. Preparations consisted of building ships that could circumnavigate the entire African continent. As a result, four strong ships were built:

• Flagship "San Gabriel". Gonçalo Alvares took command.
• The ship with three masts "San Rafael", captained by Paulo da Gama.
• Light maneuverable caravel "Berriu" under the command of Nicolau Coelho.
• Ship for transporting supplies. Gonçalo Nunisha was appointed commander.

The team was complete and had at its disposal detailed maps, clear navigation coordinates and modern (at that time) instruments. The chief navigator of the expedition was Peru Alenquer, who accompanied Bartolomeo Dias on his journey to the Cape of Good Hope. The crew also included translators. The holds of the ships were filled various products(cereals, corned beef, vegetables, dried fruits, cheese, etc.) and drinks, the sailors caught fish during the trip.

Since sailors often had to deal with pirates and enemy fleets, the crew had at their disposal powerful halberds, crossbows, blades, pikes and other weapons, as well as protective suits.

First voyage to India

The Portuguese Armada sailed from the shores of Lisbon on July 8, 1497. Vasco da Gama’s journey to India can be described endlessly, because the ships had to go through many trials on the way to their goal. The chronology of events can be summarized briefly:

The envoys of the Portuguese king were received without special honors; it was very difficult to conduct a dialogue with the Indians. Vasco da Gama tried to negotiate trade relations and even presented gifts to the overseas ruler. The disillusioned navigator forcibly took some of the Indian jewels, provisions, slaves and fishermen.

The crew, which suffered heavy losses, returned to Portugal in September 1499. Some sources say that the opening date of the sea route to India falls in August. Many sailors were killed various diseases, two ships were wrecked and burned during the voyage, but the total value of the goods brought from India lived up to all expectations. The amount from their sale exceeded the cost of the expedition 60 times.

Second and third expedition

After returning from his first voyage, the discoverer was awarded the title "Don" and received a pension from the king in the amount of 1 thousand cruzada. The navigator turned out to be an ambitious and ambitious person, so he achieved the title of “Admiral of the Indian Ocean” and patronage over the city of Sines, for which he was deprived of the status of a knight of the Order of Santiago.

Soon preparations began for the second voyage to the shores of India. During this time, a trade agreement was concluded between the states, allowing for the establishment of a trading post on Indian lands. Friendly relations have changed real war, because the expedition led by Pedro Cabral ended with the shelling of Calicut. The purpose of Vasco da Gama's second voyage (1502−1503) was to deliver more more provisions and jewelry, and the subjugation of the country.

Legends were made about the cruelty of the navigator. The contents of many books and captain's diaries mentioned that, on the orders of da Gama, Arab ships and Indian cities were fired upon indiscriminately. This is what he did to Calicut in retaliation for the attack on the Portuguese. The ships were loaded with various spices and other provisions, and several artillery ships were left off the coast of India to blockade local cities.

The second expedition was officially declared completed in 1503. The king increased the traveler's salary and pension for his services to the country, but did not reward the ambitious sailor with a new title. Subsequent years the navigator was developing plans aimed at the colonization of India, for example, the creation of a special water police and the establishment of the post of viceroy.

In 1519, the discoverer of the sea route from Europe to India received the title of count and land plots into your possession. After some time, the Portuguese ruler João III appoints the traveler as viceroy for his incorruptibility and severity. The third expedition led by the conqueror of India took place in 1524.

Traveler's personal life and family

After returning from the first expedition, da Gama married Katarina Li Athaidi. The couple had seven children:

The male line of the noble family ended in 1747, when the title of count was transferred to the women of the da Gama family.

In museums you can find many portraits of the conqueror of India, allowing you to find out what the discoverer of the sea route to India was like. Respect for the memory of the navigator is read in many statues, monuments, books, and films. A striking example serves this purpose:

While in the Indian city of Kochi great navigator Vasco da Gama, the first European to reach the shores of India, died. His life was cut short on December 24, 1524. The cause of death of the traveler was malaria. The researcher’s body was brought to Portugal only in 1529; now the remains are in the tomb of the Jeronimos monastery.

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The first journey of Vasco da Gama: how Europeans discovered India.

Background

It has been a trading partner of Europe since ancient times. The most skillful gold jewelry, rich fabrics, gems, spices, unprecedented fruits - this is far from full list what Europe, or rather its rulers, kings, dukes, princes, urgently needed.

Historically, the Arabs acted as intermediaries in trade with the East. The path to the fairyland was well known to them, and after the emergence of Islam and numerous wars in Asia, India completely became part of the Muslim world.

For a thousand years, all goods from the East came to Byzantium, which knew how to get along with its neighbors, and sometimes even put pressure on them. The heyday had passed, and now the neighbors were happy to put pressure on the decrepit and ever-shrinking empire.

With the arrival of the Mongols, who saw no point in trading with Europe, everything became even more complicated. The old caravan routes were empty, goods in Old World came through many intermediaries, which, of course, did not reduce the prices of Indian delights at all.

Europe itself was in dire need of gold, which was becoming catastrophically scarce. Only the cunning Venetians and Genoese managed to find a common language with the Muslims, who inflated prices so much that goods from India became available only to royalty, and even then not from every royal house.

Start

For a long time it was the last country where oriental luxuries were brought. All the “cream” have already been filmed in the North, in the south, in. Therefore, the Portuguese giants got something easier. It was impossible to put up with such a situation.

There is another circumstance that prompted the Portuguese monarchs to organize numerous expeditions to exotic countries. After the end of the reconquista (the reconquest of territory from Muslims on the Iberian Peninsula), numerous nobles who only knew how to fight created more and more problems in the kingdom. It was expensive to feed them all, and constantly fighting with someone was even more expensive. This force and energy had to be somehow directed and organized. Dangerous journeys - great option: in case of success, income will far exceed expenses; in case of failure, no one will cry much.

Lisbon's interests were primarily directed toward Africa, which promised gold, slaves, and many other benefits. On the path to wealth, however, stood the Moors, expelled but unconquered, who found shelter in the north of the Dark Continent. But they can be bypassed. India for a long time was just a dream. But her time has come.

To Vasco da Gama Having opened the route to India, there were several attempts to discover the sea route to spices. Brave Portuguese sailors and captains explored the western coast of Africa quite well. The luckiest and bravest of them, Bartolomeu Dias, reached (named so later as a reminder of the search for India). However, he was forced to return without reaching his goal. The sailors rebelled, and the officers were in favor of returning, frightened by the distance and duration of the journey. History was waiting for Vasco da Gama, a truly strong man.

Preparation

The most experienced sailor in Portugal was ready to repeat the attempt to reach India by sea. The king had a different opinion. Having assessed Dias’s experience and knowledge, the monarch sensibly decided that sending such a person on a dangerous voyage was impractical. And just then a dispatch about the victory was received young captain and Gama, who went to carry out the king’s orders in place of his father and won a galley with gold from the French corsairs. The king's choice fell on him.

To help the not very experienced captain, the best officers, experienced sailors, several translators and a dozen convicts were allocated to carry out dangerous assignments - about 170 people in total. The preparation of the ships was personally carried out by Dias, who knew a lot about this matter. He also instructed Vasco da Gama, shared experiences and gave advice.

Forward!

In the summer of 1497, a fateful voyage began, opening the way for the Portuguese to the coveted India. Three warships and one transport. All ships were armed in the most serious manner; even the smallest boat had a dozen powerful cannons designed to help in the implementation of the grandiose plan. Total quantity guns on ships - 52! Ahead lay a two-year journey.

Having decided not to make the mistakes of his predecessors, he leads ships away from the coast of Africa. This saved the expedition from unnecessary meetings with the Moors, the local population and Spanish competitors. However, along the way, the Portuguese still managed to capture and plunder an Arab merchant ship. But this is just the case.

It is interesting that on the way to southern Africa, Vasco da Gama almost discovered Brazil, then unknown to anyone. Had the ships sailed a few miles to the west, Cabral, who discovered this land three years later, following the route of da Gama, would have become only the second European to visit South America. It happened as it happened.

Around Africa

Having replenished supplies of water and food in the Cape Verde Islands, the ships under the command of the ambitious and young explorer Vasco da Gama set off to the West to “catch” the necessary wind, so necessary in order to reach the difficult and inaccessible southern cape.

Three months on the high seas in the best possible way influenced the team. When the ships finally landed on the shore, the sailors rushed to look for love adventures. Local tribes were not ready to tolerate the antics of some strange and aggressive people. Skirmishes began, as a result of which the squadron was forced to leave. And then a storm began, terrible and lasting for many days.

The Cape of Good Hope was crossed, but the crew was overcome by scurvy. A stop was necessary. The sailors no longer wanted adventure, so the local population received the strangers favorably. It was possible to replenish supplies of water and food, and also profitably exchange ivory jewelry from the aborigines.

The sailors died from scurvy. Soon there were not enough people, and a decision was made to destroy the most damaged ship. The team was redistributed to the remaining three.

Path to India

Once in Indian Ocean, the Portuguese found themselves in waters unknown to Europeans. This is where convicts were needed. This practice has been used since time immemorial. When an unknown shore appeared before the sailors, criminals sentenced to death were landed on it. A few days later they swam to the shore again. If the criminal was alive, it means he managed to find a common language with the local population - the team can disembark. If the unfortunate person disappeared, then they simply swam on. This is the technique.

The unknown scared the team. There was a murmur on the ships. Many officers were also determined to return. But da Gama is not like that. He demonstratively throws navigation instruments into the sea. Demonstrating by this that under no circumstances will he return without achieving his goal. Frightened by such fanaticism, the sailors fell silent.

In those days, the entire East Coast of Africa was the domain of Arab merchants. They were respected people, they were willingly accepted by local rulers. Indian traders also actively visited this place. They were all competitors of the Portuguese, so they were rarely well received anywhere.

The ruler of Mozambique received the Portuguese solemnly and beautifully. presented gifts from his king. This is where all the hospitality ended. The ruler was offended by the “shabbiness” of the offerings. The Arab competitors of the Portuguese whispered all sorts of dirty tricks about the newcomers. Vasco da Gama's crew was accused of piracy. I had to carry my feet away.

Next stop is Mombasa. Here, too, contact failed. The offended traveler Vasco da Gama even captured a small ship with a crew and fired at the city.

As luck would have it, the ruler of the next port city, Malindi, was Mombasa's sworn enemy. Here the Portuguese finally managed to rest a little, feed themselves, and cope with scurvy. The ruler was kind enough to help find a pilot to India. Of course, not just like that, but in exchange for a promise to give Mombasa a good beating with shelling on the way back.

In Wonderland

The Portuguese arrived in India (Calicut) at the end of May 1498. Here they are again awaited by a magnificent reception, then hostility from the local authorities. This is due to the “poverty” of gifts and the intrigues of competitors. But Vasco da Gama manages to achieve the main thing - the opening of a trading post.

Portuguese goods sold poorly. The Arabs and Indians often got into disputes about what taxes the newcomers should pay. After three months in India, the squadron again went to sea.

Way home

This time he behaves like a real pirate: he captures a couple of dozen fishermen and robs ships encountered along the way. The Portuguese themselves have to fight off the pirates.

And again a short break in Malindi. And again the sea. Now there are only two ships in the squadron. By the time of returning home to the team Vasco da Gama only 55 people remained, exhausted and exhausted. Da Gama leaves a grave in the Anzors Islands sibling who served as his officer.

Bottom line

On August 31, 1499, an emaciated, aged man stood before the King of Portugal, in whom it was difficult to recognize a young and ambitious officer from the old da Gama family. Next to him lay a golden idol weighing 30 kilograms. A huge scarlet ruby ​​sparkled on the idol’s chest. Two green emeralds, sparkling greedily, were inserted into the eye sockets... India was open.

You will learn from this article what contribution Vasco da Gama made to geography.

He is a famous Portuguese navigator from the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries. He combined the post of governor with the viceroy of Portuguese India. Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India with an expedition of 1497–1499 around Africa.

The significance of Vasco da Gama's discovery

He prepared his voyage very carefully. The country that equipped Vasco da Gama was Portugal, and the Portuguese king himself appointed him commander of the expedition, giving preference to him instead of the experienced and famous Dias. And Vasco da Gama’s life revolved around this event. Three warships and one transport ship will go on the expedition.

The navigator solemnly sailed from Lisbon on July 8, 1497. The first months were quite calm. In November 1497 he reached the Cape of Good Hope. Strong storms began, and his team demanded to turn back, but Vasco da Gama threw all navigational instruments and quadrants overboard, showing that there was no way back. And he was right, because he managed to find a direct sea route to India. Vasco da Gama's contribution to geography lies in the fact that he mapped a route to the land of spices that was safer and shorter than it had previously been by land.

Results of the Vasco da Gama expedition: the opening of a new route to India significantly expanded trade opportunities with Asia, which had previously been carried out exclusively along the Great Silk Road. Although this discovery was quite expensive - 2 ships out of 4 returned from the trip.

Future great traveler Vasco da Gama was born in the Portuguese city of Sines. This happened around 1460, but the exact year of his birth is unknown.

His father was Estevan da Gama, commander of the fortress of Sines in the southwest of the country, and Vasco was the third son in a large family. The biography of Vasco da Gama is silent about his childhood; it is only known that in his youth he joined the navy and there he learned to sail a ship. He became famous as a fearless and confident sailor.

In 1492, King John sent him to Lisbon and from there to the province of Algarve with orders to seize all French ships. This was retaliation for the French capture of a Portuguese ship.

In 1495, Manuel became the new king of Portugal, who was very interested in promoting trade in India. To do this, it was necessary to find a sea route there. At the time, Portugal was one of the most powerful maritime powers in Europe, competing with Spain and France for new lands.

Portugal owed these merits to Prince Henry the Navigator, who assembled a team of the best sailors, cartographers and geographers, and sent many ships to explore the western coast of Africa in order to increase the country's trading influence. His achievements in the field of exploring the African coast are undeniable, but the eastern coast was still Terra Nova for European ships.

The breakthrough was achieved in 1487 by another daring Portuguese sailor, Bartolomeu Dias. He was the first European to circumnavigate Africa at the Cape of Good Hope and enter the Indian Ocean. Thus, it was proven that the Atlantic and Indian oceans are connected to each other. This discovery spurred the desire of the Portuguese monarch to build a sea route to India. However, he had more than just commercial intentions: Manuel was eager to conquer Islamic countries and proclaim himself king of Jerusalem.

Historians are still wondering why the king sent Vasco da Gama on such an important journey, because at that time there were more experienced navigators in the country. However, in 1497, four ships under the command of da Gama set out from their native shores to carry out a responsible mission. He directed the ships strictly south, unlike Columbus, who kept trying to turn east. A few months later, the ships safely rounded the Cape of Good Hope and moved along the east coast of Africa.

In January, when the flotilla reached the shores of what is now Mozambique, half the crew was suffering from scurvy. Da Gama was forced to anchor in these waters for a month to repair his ships and give his people a rest. Here the navigator tried to establish contact with the local sultan, but his gifts were rejected as too modest. In April they reached Kenya and from there moved into the Indian Ocean. Twenty-three days later, Calcutta appeared on the horizon.

Due to the fact that Da Gama did not know this area well, at first he thought that Christians lived in India. However, they spent three months in the country establishing trade relations. Muslim traders, of whom there were a lot in India, did not at all want to share with Christians, therefore, in order not to provoke a conflict, the Portuguese were forced to trade only in the coastal part of the city.

In August 1498, the ships set off on their return journey. The timing was unfortunate, as it coincided with the rainy season. By the end of the year, several crew members had died of scurvy. In order to somehow reduce costs, Da Gama ordered one of the ships to be burned, distributing the remaining people among other ships. Almost a year later they managed to return to Portugal. Of the 170 crew members, 54 survived. Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India made him a national hero.

The biography of Vasco da Gama includes another trip to India, in 1502, not so peaceful. King Manuel gave him command of 20 ships with orders to intimidate the Muslim population of Africa and strengthen Portuguese dominance there. To carry out the order, da Gama carried out the bloodiest raid of the Age of Discovery, sailing up and down the east coast of Africa, attacking ports and Muslim ships. He also distinguished himself by burning to the ground a ship carrying several hundred pilgrims returning from Mecca, sparing neither women nor children. Having reached Calcutta, da Gama's army destroyed the port and killed 38 hostages.

Vasco da Gama's travels were not peaceful, and until the end of his life he gained a reputation as a stern and incorruptible person.