The meaning of Vasco da Gama's journey. Family and early years

What the navigator Vasco da Gama discovered and in what year, you will learn from this article.

Vasco da Gama 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.

How did Vasco da Gama discover the sea route to India?

He prepared his voyage very carefully. 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.

Having circumnavigated the southern part of Africa, the expedition stopped at Mossel Bay. Many of his crew died from scurvy, and the ship carrying supplies was badly damaged and had to be burned.

The great discovery of Vasco da Gama began from the moment he entered the waters of the Indian Ocean. On April 24, 1498, a course was taken to the northeast. Already on May 20, 1498, the navigator moored his ships near Calicut, a small Indian town. The flotilla stayed in his port for 3 months. Trade between Vasco da Gama's team and the Indians did not go very smoothly, and he was forced to leave the shores of the country of "oriental spices." On the way back, his team was engaged in robberies and shelling of coastal villages. On January 2, 1499, the flotilla sailed to the town of Magadisho, heading home. The first voyage ended in the early autumn of 1499: only 2 ships out of 4, and 55 people out of 170 sailors returned to Portugal.

Discovery of India by Vasco da Gama covered all travel expenses. The brought spices, seasonings, fabrics and other goods were sold very expensively, because Europe had not yet seen or known what was brought by the sailor. The expedition traveled 40,000 km and explored more than 4,000 km of the eastern coast of Africa. But the main geographical discoveries of Vasco da Gama were that he was the discoverer of the sea route to India and it was he who put it on the map. Even today, this is the most convenient route to the country of spices, passing through the Cape of Good Hope. Thanks to the navigator, Portugal received the title of the most powerful maritime power in the world.

Vasco da Gama (correct pronunciation Vasco da Gama) is a Portuguese navigator from the Age of Discovery. Commander of a naval expedition that sailed from Europe to India for the first time in history. 6th Governor of Portuguese India and 2nd Viceroy of India (in 1524), 1st Count of Vidigueira.

Vasco da Gama participated in naval battles from a young age. They first learned about Vasca da Gama after he completed an assignment from the Portuguese king. When in 1492 French corsairs captured a Portuguese caravel with gold, sailing from Guinea to Portugal, the king instructed him to go along the French coast and capture all French ships in the roads. The young nobleman carried out this assignment very quickly and efficiently, and after that the king of France had to return the captured ship.

The prerequisites for equipping Vasco da Gama’s expedition were that after the discovery of “Western India” by Columbus’s Spanish expeditions, the Portuguese needed to hurry to secure their “rights” to East India. In 1497, a squadron was equipped to explore the sea route from Portugal - around Africa - to India. For unknown reasons, the leader of the expedition was not Bartolomeu Dias (by that time an experienced navigator), but a young courtier of noble origin who had not yet proven himself in anything other than the capture of a caravan of French merchant ships Vasco (Vasco) da Gama, who was the choice of King Manueli I. The expedition included It includes three ships: two heavy ships and one fast ship. In addition, the expedition was accompanied by a transport ship with supplies. The crew of all ships reached 140 - 170 people, it included 10 - 12 criminals (for dangerous assignments).

On July 8, 1497, the flotilla left Lisbon and probably went to Sierra Leone. From there, to avoid the contrary winds and currents off the coast of Equatorial and South Africa, the flotilla turned southwest, and beyond the equator turned southeast. There is no more accurate data about Gama’s path in the Atlantic, and assumptions that he approached the coast of Brazil are based on the routes of later navigators, starting with Cabral.

After almost four months of sailing, on November 1, 1497, the Portuguese discovered land in the east, and three days later they entered a wide bay, which they gave the name of St. Helena (St. Helena, 32 ° 40 "S), and opened the mouth of the river . Santiago (now Great Verg). After a short stop and an attempt to establish relations with the local population, the expedition moved on. Rounding the southern tip of Africa, the Portuguese anchored in the "Shepherds' Harbor. Again, attempts were made to establish relations with the local population, with whom the sailors subsequently conducted a “silent bargaining”.

By the end of December 1497, for the religious holiday of Christmas, Portuguese ships sailing to the northeast were located at approximately 31° S. w. against the high bank, which Gama called Natal ("Christmas"). On January 11, 1498, the flotilla stopped at the mouth of some river previously unknown to the Portuguese. When the sailors disembarked, a crowd of people approached them. They met the Portuguese very friendly, and Gama called this land “the country of good people.”

Moving north, on January 25 the ships entered the estuary at 18° south. sh., where several rivers flowed. Local residents here also welcomed foreigners well. The story of one of the local residents that he had already seen ships similar to those of Vasco da Gama, as well as the presence of goods undoubtedly of Asian origin, convinced Gama that he was approaching India. He called the estuary “the river of good omens” and placed a padran on the shore. From the west, Kwakwa, the northern branch of the Zambezi delta, flows into the estuary. In this regard, it is usually not entirely correct to say that Vasco da Gama discovered the mouth of the Zambezi, and they transfer to the lower reaches of the river the name that he gave to the estuary. For about a month, the Portuguese stood at the mouth of Kvakva, repairing ships. On February 24, 1498, the flotilla left the estuary. Staying away from the coast, bordered by a chain of islands, and stopping at night so as not to run aground, after five days she reached 15° S. w. port of Mozambique. Arab single-masted ships (dhows) visited the port annually and exported mainly slaves, gold, ivory and ambergris. Through the local sheikh (ruler), Gama hired two pilots in Mozambique. But Arab traders recognized dangerous competitors in the newcomers, and friendly relations soon gave way to hostile ones.

On April 1, 1498, the flotilla left Mozambique to the north. Not trusting the Arab pilots, Vasco da Gama captured a small sailing ship off the coast and tortured its owner to obtain information necessary for further sailing. A week later, the flotilla approached the port city of Mombasa (4° S). Due to hostility, Vasco da Gama was forced to leave the port. Coming out of Mombasa, Vasco da Gama detained an Arabian dhow at sea, plundered it and captured 19 people. On April 14, he anchored in Malindi harbor (3° S).

The local sheikh greeted Gama friendly, since he himself was at enmity with Mombasa. He concluded a soyum with the Portuguese against a common enemy and gave them a reliable pilot, Ahmed Ibn Majchd, who was supposed to lead them to South-West India. The Portuguese left Malind with him on April 24, 1498. Ibn Majid took Kure to the northeast and brought the ships to India, the coast of which appeared on May 17, 1498. The route of the flotilla is shown in Figure 3.2

Figure 3.2

Seeing Indian soil, the flotilla under the leadership of pilot Ahmed Ibn Majchd moved away from the dangerous coast and turned south. Three days later, a high cape appeared, probably Mount Delhi. By the evening of May 20, 1498, the Portuguese ships, having advanced about 100 km to the south, stopped at a roadstead against the city of Calicut (currently Kozhikode).

On the return route, the Portuguese captured several merchant ships. Also, I had to fend off pirates. The three-month route to the shores of Africa was accompanied by heat and illness of the crews. And only on January 2, 1499, the sailors saw the rich city of Mogadishu. Not daring to land with a small team exhausted by hardships, Da Gama ordered “to be on the safe side” to bombard the city.

On January 7, the sailors arrived in Malindi, where in five days, thanks to good food and fruits provided by the sheikh, the sailors became stronger. But still, the crews were so reduced that on January 13, 1499, one of the ships had to be burned at a site south of Mombasa. On January 28, 1499, they passed the island of Zanzibar, and on February 1, 1499, they made a stop at the island of Sao Jorge, near Mozambique, and on March 20, 1499, they rounded the Cape of Good Hope. On April 16, 1499, the ships reached the islands of Cape Verde. From there, Vasco da Gama sent ahead a ship, which on July 10, 1499 brought news of the success of the expedition to Portugal. The captain-commander himself was delayed due to the illness of his brother, Paulo da Gama. In August or September 1499, Vasco da Gama triumphantly returned to Lisbon. Only two ships and 55 people returned.

Thus, although, from a financial point of view, Vasco da Gama's expedition was unusually successful - the proceeds from the sale of goods brought from India were 60 times higher than the costs of the expedition.

The expedition found out what enormous benefits direct sea trade with India could bring for them with proper economic, political and military organization of the matter. The discovery of a sea route to India for Europeans was one of the greatest events in the history of world trade. From that moment until the digging of the Suez Canal (1869), the main trade of Europe with the countries of the Indian Ocean and China did not go through the Mediterranean Sea, but through the Atlantic Ocean - past the Cape of Good Hope. Portugal, which held in its hands “the key to eastern navigation,” became in the 16th century. the strongest maritime power, seized a monopoly of trade with South and East Asia and held it for 90 years - until the defeat of the “Invincible Armada” (1588).

Vasco da Gama's expedition also contributed to the study of the nature of Africa. Despite the fact that Europeans began to explore the interior of Africa only at the end of the 19th century, the data obtained during the expedition of Vasco da Gama described a large area of ​​land in the coastal zone.

It is unknown whether the Portuguese would have opened the sea route to India at the end of the 15th century if the king himself had not been interested in this discovery, and it had not entailed significant political and material changes in the country’s position in the world. After all, no matter how skillful and fearless the sailors were, without support (primarily financial) in the person of the king, such large-scale expeditions had little chance of success.

So why was the sea route to India needed?

It must be said that it was simply necessary for Portugal at that time to get to distant, but so alluring India with its riches, by sea. Due to its geographical location, this European country was outside the main trade routes of the 15th century, and therefore could not fully participate in world trade. The Portuguese did not have many of their own products that could be put up for sale, and all sorts of valuable goods from the East (spices, etc.) had to be purchased very expensively. The country was weakened financially by the Reconquista and wars with Castile.

However, the location of Portugal on the geographical map of the world certainly provided it with great advantages in exploring the western coasts of Africa and still gave hope of opening a sea route to the “land of spices.” This idea began to be implemented by the Portuguese Prince Enrique, who became known in the world as Henry the Navigator (he was the uncle of King Afonso V of Portugal). Despite the fact that the prince himself never went to sea (it is believed that he suffered from seasickness), he became the ideological inspirer of sea voyages to the African shores.

The most interesting thing for you!

Gradually, the Portuguese moved further south and brought more and more slaves and gold from the coast of Guinea. On the one hand, Infante Enrique was the initiator of expeditions to the East, attracted astronomers, mathematicians, developed an entire program for the fleet, and at the same time, all his actions were subordinated to selfish considerations - to get more gold and slaves, to take a more significant position among the nobility. Such was the time: virtue and vice mixed into an unraveling tangle...

After the death of Henry the Navigator, sea expeditions stopped for some time. Moreover, despite numerous attempts, the sailors equipped by Enrique did not even reach the equator. But soon the situation changed. In the late 80s of the 15th century, a Portuguese officer who reached India by land confirmed that the “land of spices” could be reached by sea. And at the same time, Bartolomeu Dias discovered the Cape of Good Hope: he managed to go around the African continent and left the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.

Thus, the assumptions of ancient scientists that Africa is a continent stretching to the South Pole were finally shattered. By the way, perhaps Bartolomeu Dias could have been credited with opening the sea route to India, but his sailors, after entering the waters of the Indian Ocean, flatly refused to sail further, so he was forced to return to Lisbon. Dias later helped Vasco da Gama in organizing his expeditions.

Why Vasco da Gama?

Today, we cannot reliably know why Vasco da Gama was chosen to lead the expedition to the East, because not much information about this significant journey has been preserved in history. All researchers of the chronicles of that period agree that for an event of this magnitude, there are surprisingly few records of the preparation of the expedition.

Most likely, the choice fell on Vasco because, in addition to his excellent navigational knowledge and experience, he also had the “right” character. Read more about the biography of Vasco da Gama. He knew human nature well, knew how to deal with the ship's crew, and could tame mutinous sailors (which he demonstrated more than once). In addition, the head of the expedition had to be able to behave at court and communicate with foreigners, both civilized and barbarians.

Da Gama combined all these qualities: he was an excellent sailor - careful, skillful and dexterous, he was fluent in the navigational science of that time, at the same time he knew how to behave at court, to be obliging and persistent at the same time. At the same time, he was not particularly sentimental and tender - he was quite capable of capturing slaves, taking loot by force, conquering new lands - which was the main goal of the Portuguese expedition to the East. Chronicles note that the da Gama family was known not only for its courage, but also for its self-will and tendency to quarrel.

How Vasco da Gama's expedition was prepared

The expedition to India was to take place immediately after receiving encouraging information that would confirm the existence of a sea route to India. But the death of the son of King João II postponed this event for several years: the king was so sad that he was not able to carry out such large-scale projects. And only after the death of João II and the accession of King Manuel I to the throne, the court again actively started talking about opening a sea route to the East.

Everything was prepared in the most careful way. Under the leadership of Bartolomeu Dias, who visited the waters near Africa, 4 ships were rebuilt: the flagship "San Gabriel", "San Rafael", commanded by Vasco da Gama's brother Paulo, the caravel "Berriu" and another transport ship. The expedition was equipped with the latest maps and navigation instruments.

Among other things, according to established custom, three stone padran pillars were prepared and loaded on board to indicate the ownership of the newly discovered or conquered lands of Portugal. By order of Manuel I, these padrans were named "San Rafael", "San Gaboteal" and "Santa Maria".

In addition to the sailors, an astronomer, a scribe, a priest, translators who spoke Arabic and native languages, and even a dozen criminals who were taken specifically to carry out the most dangerous assignments took part in this expedition. In total, at least 100 people went on the expedition (according to the estimates of individual historians - from 140 to 170).

A three-year voyage required considerable supplies of food. The main food product was crackers; to dry them, by order of Manuel I, special ovens were installed in the port. The holds were loaded to capacity with cheese, corned beef, dried and salted fish, water, wine and vinegar, olive oil, as well as rice, lentils and other beans, flour, onions, garlic, sugar, honey, prunes and almonds. Gunpowder, stone and lead balls, and weapons were taken in abundance. For each ship, three changes of sails and ropes were provided for several years of sailing.

It should be noted that the cheapest things were taken as gifts to African and Indian rulers: beads made of glass and tin, wide striped pants and bright scarlet hats, honey and sugar... no gold or silver. Such gifts were more intended for savages. And this will not go unnoticed later. All ships were superbly equipped with artillery (from 12 to 20 guns on each ship), the personnel were also armed - edged weapons, halberds, crossbows. Before going to sea, solemn services were held in churches and all participants in the long voyage were absolved of their sins in advance. During this voyage, Vasco da Gama would more than once show his best qualities: cruelty, often senseless, greed, but he already had an indulgence in advance.

The king's farewell to the expedition

Don Manuel's solemn farewell to da Gama and his officers took place in Montemor novo, one of the oldest cities in Portugal, 18 miles east of Lisbon. Everything was furnished with truly royal pomp and grandeur.

The king made a speech in which he expressed the hope that his subjects would do everything possible and impossible to accomplish this godly deed, because expanding the lands and possessions of Portugal, as well as increasing its wealth, is the best service to the country. In his response speech, Vasco da Gama thanked the king for the high honor given to him, and took an oath to serve his king and country until his last breath.

First voyage to India (1497-1499)

On July 8, 1497, four ships of Vasco da Gama solemnly left Lisbon. The first months of the expedition passed quite calmly. The Portuguese did not stop at the Canary Islands, so as not to reveal the purpose of their journey to the Spaniards, they replenished supplies of fresh water and provisions on the Cape Verde Islands (then these were the possessions of Portugal).

The next landing was on November 4, 1497 at St. Helena Bay. However, here the sailors had a conflict with the local population; the Portuguese did not suffer large losses, but da Gama was wounded in the leg. At the end of November, the ships reached the Cape of Good Hope, which this time behaved like the Cape of Storms (its first name).

The storms were so strong that almost all the sailors demanded that the captain return to his homeland. But before their eyes, the sailor threw all the quadrants and navigation instruments into the sea as a sign that there was no way back. Although historians agree that, probably, not all, but almost all. Most likely, the captain still had spare instruments.

So, having rounded the southern tip of Africa, the flotilla made a forced stop in Mossel Bay. The transport ship carrying supplies was so badly damaged that it was decided to unload it and burn it. In addition, some of the sailors died of scurvy, and there were not enough people to service even the remaining three ships.

On December 16, 1497, the expedition left behind the last padran pillar of Bartolomeu Dias. Next, their path lay along the eastern coast of Africa. The waters of the Indian Ocean, which Vasco entered, had been the maritime trade routes of Arab countries for centuries, and the Portuguese pioneer had a hard time. So in Mozambique, he received an invitation to the Sultan’s chambers, but the European goods did not impress the local traders.

The Portuguese made a negative impression on the Sultan, and the flotilla was forced to hastily retreat. Insulted, Vasco da Gama gave the order to fire several salvos from cannons at coastal villages. A little later, in the port city of Mombasa, where the expedition ships entered at the end of February, an Arab ship was captured and plundered by the Portuguese, and 30 crew members were taken prisoner.

They were greeted more hospitably in Malindi. Here, after a long search, Da Gama was able to hire an experienced pilot who knew the route to India, as he understood that they would have to cross the previously unknown Indian Ocean. It is worth dwelling in more detail on the personality of this pilot. Ibn Majid Ahmad (full name Ahmad ibn Majid ibn Muhammad al-Saadi of Najd, approximate years of life 1421-1500) was an Arab sailor originally from Oman, pilot, geographer and writer of the 15th century. He came from a family of navigators; his grandfather and father sailed ships in the Indian Ocean.

When the elderly sailor and his sailor with dignity boarded the San Gabriel, Vasco da Gama could barely contain his excitement, peering into the Arab's inscrutable face, trying to understand how much he understood about navigation. This is understandable; the fate of the entire expedition depended on this man.

Vasco da Gama demonstrated an astrolabe and a sextant to Ahmad ibn Majid, but these instruments did not make the proper impression on him. The Arab only glanced at them and replied that Arab navigators use other instruments, took them out and gave them to Da Gama to look at. In addition, a detailed and accurate Arabic map of the entire Indian coast with parallels and meridians was laid out in front of Vasco.

After this communication, the leader of the Portuguese expedition had no doubt that he had acquired great value in this pilot. The Arabs and Turks themselves called Ahmad ibn Majid “the lion of the sea,” while the Portuguese gave him the nickname Malemo Kana, which means “an expert in maritime affairs and astronomy.”

On April 24, 1498, an Arab pilot led Portuguese ships out of Malinda and headed northeast. He knew that fair monsoon winds were blowing here at this time. The pilot brilliantly led the flotilla, cutting through the western part of the Indian Ocean almost through the very middle. And on May 20, 1498, all three Portuguese ships moored at the Indian city of Calicut (today Kozhikode).

Despite the fact that the Calicut ruler met the Portuguese more than hospitably - they were greeted by a parade of more than three thousand soldiers, and Vasco da Gama himself was granted an audience with the ruler, his stay in the East could not be called successful. The Arab traders who served at the court considered the gifts from the Portuguese unworthy, and da Gama himself reminded them more of a pirate than an ambassador of a European kingdom.

And although the Portuguese were allowed to trade, their goods did poorly on the local market. In addition, disagreements arose regarding the payment of duties, which the Indian side insisted on. Seeing no point in staying any longer, Vasco gave the order to sail from Calicut, and at the same time took twenty fishermen with him.

Return to Portugal

The Portuguese were not limited to trading operations. On the way back they plundered several merchant ships. They themselves were also attacked by pirates. The ruler of Goa tried to lure the squadron by cunning in order to use the ships in his military campaigns against his neighbors. Plus, during the three months that the journey to the coast of Africa lasted, the heat was unbearable, and the crew was very sick. In such a deplorable state, on January 2, 1499, the flotilla approached the city of Magadisho. Da Gama did not dare to anchor and go ashore - the crew was too small and exhausted - but in order to “make himself known” he ordered the city to be shelled from the ship’s guns.

On January 7, the sailors dropped anchor in the port of Malindi, where several days of rest, good food and fresh fruit allowed the crew to recover and gain strength again. But still, the crew losses were so great that one of the ships had to be burned. On March 20 we passed the Cape of Good Hope. On April 16, Vasco da Gama sent one ship forward from the Cape Verde Islands, and on July 10, the King of Portugal received the news that the sea route to India had been established. Vasco da Gama himself set foot on his native soil only at the end of August - beginning of September 1499. He was delayed on the way by the illness and death of his brother Paulo.

Out of 4 ships and 170 sailors, only 2 ships and 55 people returned! However, if you look at the financial component, the first Portuguese naval expedition to India was very successful - the goods brought were sold for an amount 60 times higher than the cost of its equipment!

Second voyage to India (1502-1503)

After Vasco da Gama paved the sea route to India, the King of Portugal equipped another expedition to the “land of spices” under the leadership of Pedro Alvares Cabral. But sailing to India was now only half the battle; it was necessary to establish trade relations with local rulers. This is precisely what Senor Cabral failed to do: the Portuguese quarreled with the Arab merchants, and the cooperation that had begun in Calicut gave way to hostility. As a result, the Portuguese trading post was simply burned, and the ships of Pedro Cabral, sailing from the Indian shores, fired at the coast of Calicut from their onboard guns.

It became clear that the fastest and most “direct” way to settle in India was to show the military power of Portugal. A more suitable leader for such an expedition than Vasco da Gama, perhaps, could not be found. And in 1502, King Manuel I puts an experienced and uncompromising sailor at the head of the squadron. A total of 20 ships set sail, of which 10 were subordinate to the “Admiral of the Indian Sea”, five were sent to obstruct Arab merchant ships, and another five, led, by the way, by the Admiral’s nephew, Estevan da Gama, were supposed to guard the Portuguese trading posts in India .

In this voyage, Vasco da Gama proved that no one else could have coped with this task better. Along the way, he founded forts and trading posts on the southern African coast - in Sofala and Mozambique, and imposed tribute on the Arab emir of the city of Kilwa. And in order to show the seriousness of his intentions to the Arab merchants, da Gama ordered to burn the Arab ship, on board of which there were only pilgrims. This happened off the coast of Malabar.

In the city of Kannanur, the expedition was greeted kindly, and the ships were well loaded with spices. And then it was the turn of the city of Calicut. The Zamorin (ruler) of the city apologized for the burning of the trading post during Da Gama's previous visit and promised to compensate for the losses, but the inexorable admiral captured all the Indian ships in the port and literally turned the city into ruins with artillery fire.

Indian hostages were hanged on the masts of Portuguese ships, and severed parts of the prisoners' arms and legs and heads were sent to the Zamorin. To intimidate. Two days after the new shelling of the city, the Zamorin left Calicut. The mission was accomplished. Meanwhile, Vasco da Gama went to the city of Cochin, where he loaded the ships with spices and herbs, and began to prepare for the return journey.

The Zamorin, having assembled a flotilla with the help of Arab merchants, tried to resist the Portuguese, but the artillery on board the European ships decided the outcome of the battle - the light Arab ships retreated under the fire of the bombardier. So, in October 1503, Vasco da Gama returned to his homeland with great success.

Third voyage to India (1503-1524)

The period between the second and third voyages was perhaps the calmest in the life of Vasco da Gama. He lived in contentment and prosperity, together with his family, enjoying honors and privileges at the royal court. King Manuel I took his recommendations into account when developing plans for the further colonization of India. In particular, the Admiral of the Indian Sea insisted on the creation of a maritime police force off the coast of the Portuguese possessions in the “land of spices.” His proposal was implemented.

Also, on the advice of Vasco da Gama, in 1505, by decree of the king, the post of Viceroy of India was introduced. This post was held at different times by Francisco d'Almeida and Affonso d'Albuquerque. Their policy was simple and straightforward - Portuguese power in the Indian colonies and in the Indian Ocean was imposed “by fire and sword.” However, with the death of Albuquerica in 1515, no worthy successor was found. And King John III, despite the advanced (especially for those times) age of Vasco da Gama - he was already 55 years old by that time - decided to appoint him to the post of Viceroy of India.

Thus, in April 1515, the famous navigator set off on his last voyage. His two sons Estevan and Paulo also left with him. The flotilla consisted of 15 ships, accommodating 3,000 people. There is a legend that when the ships crossed 17° north latitude near the city of Dabul, they fell into the zone of an underwater earthquake. The crews of the ships were in superstitious horror, and only the imperturbable and ambitious admiral remained calm, commenting on the natural phenomenon as follows: “Even the sea trembles before us!”

The first thing he did upon his arrival in Goa, the main stronghold of Portugal in the Indian Ocean, Vasco da Gama most decisively began to restore order: he suspended the sale of guns to the Arabs, removed embezzlers from their posts, imposed fines in favor of the Portuguese authorities and took other repressive measures to no one had any doubt who was the owner of these lands. But the viceroy did not have time to fully implement all his plans - he suddenly fell ill. And on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1524, Vasco da Gama died in the city of Cochin. In 1539, his ashes were transported to Lisbon.

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Perhaps not a single sailor is covered with such scandalous fame as Vasco da Gama. If he had not paved the way to India, then I think he would have remained one of the conquistadors unknown to history.

Who is Vasco da Gama and why is he famous?

The main achievement of this man is the construction of a sea route to the shores of the treasured India, which made him a hero among his compatriots. It is believed that he was born between 1460 and 1470 (the exact date is unknown). He grew up in a wealthy family, but was considered a bastard and could not claim an inheritance because, for unknown reasons, his mother and father were not engaged. In 1481, he became a student at the school of mathematics and astronomy, and the next 12 years remained a mystery to historians. In 1493, he led a Portuguese raid on the coast of France, and successfully captured all the ships that were anchored. But real exploits awaited him ahead.

Voyages of Vasco da Gama

In 1498, he was appointed to lead an expedition to the “land of spices,” and on July 8 of the same year, 3 ships left the port of Portugal:

• "Berriu";
• "San Gabriel";
• "San Rafael".

After some time, they successfully circumnavigated Africa and moved north in search of a guide. Having reached the Arab settlements, Vasco tricked experienced pilots into showing the way, and already in May 1499 he set foot on the coast of India. It must be said that the Portuguese did not show themselves in the best way - they took the wealthy citizens of Calicut hostage, and then simply plundered the city. In mid-September 1500, the ships returned to Portugal, having recouped all costs almost 100 times!

In 1503, Vasco, already on 20 ships, led the second expedition, which arrived safely in Cannanur. Once again, the Portuguese distinguished themselves by bloodshed and cruelty, and made part of the captured territory a colony of Portugal. A year later they returned back to Lisbon, where Vasco da Gama was awarded the title of count. Shortly before his death, he went to India for the 3rd time, where he died of illness, and in 1523 his body was taken to Portugal.

It was to the navigator Vasco da Gama that India owes its “discovery”. Vasco da Gama not only found this wonderful country, but also established trade relations with it, and also made many other exciting journeys. He actually colonized the Indian shores and became viceroy on them.

The early years of the future pioneer

The date of birth of Vasco da Gama is not known for certain. Historians believe that he was born between 1460 and 1469 in Portugal. His father was a famous and noble knight. Vasco had four brothers in his family. All children received a good education. They studied mathematics, navigation and astronomy. Little Vasco's teacher was Zacuto himself. At the age of 20, Vasco da Gama joined the Order of Santiago.

The mature years of a navigator

For the first time, people started talking about Vasco as an outstanding personality in 1492. Then he managed to recapture a Portuguese ship from French pirates. The brave young man immediately came to the attention of the Portuguese authorities. He was offered to go on a long and dangerous expedition, and he agreed. Preparations for the voyage were carried out very carefully. Vasco himself selected most of the crew, checked the provisions and condition of the ships.

In 1497, an armada of ships set sail from Lisbon to the Canary Islands. The valiant Vasco led this sea procession. In the middle of winter, Vasco da Gama's ships reached the coast of South Africa. There the team replenished provisions. One of the ships broke down and had to be sunk.

After the Cape of Good Hope, the armada called at the ports of Mozambique and Mombasa. In Malindi, Vasco spent a long time looking for a guide. As a result, he became Ahmad Ibn Majid. Having received information, the armada set course for the Indian shores. For the first time in Malindi, Vasco da Gama saw Indian merchants and was able to personally verify the value of their goods. In 1498, Vasco's ships reached Calicut.

After staying in India for a year, da Gama gave the order to return to Portugal. This expedition not only glorified him, but also enriched him. After all, he brought so many goods on his ships that it was enough to recoup the cost of the expedition, and there was still more left.

Vasco's second campaign in India took place in 1502. King Manuel wanted da Gama to lead the new armada. In winter, the ships set off. During the expedition, people managed to establish forts in Mozambique and Sofala. The sailors also forced the Emir of Kilwa to regularly pay them tribute. Then in India they refilled their holds with goods and successfully returned home. The second expedition was not easy, since the Portuguese had to fight with the Arab sailors who held this direction as a monopoly.

For a long time, Vasco da Gama received only money and gratitude from the monarch of Portugal. But in 1519 the king granted Vasco the title of count and land. This could be considered a real success by the standards of that time. There were rumors that the bastard da Gama was so eager to receive the title that he threatened the king himself to leave the sea if he did not give him what he wanted. The king agreed with Vasco's arguments, and the title was assigned to him.

Vasco da Gama's third trip to India took place under King John III. The navigator was sent on the third voyage as the Viceroy of India. There he ruled with an iron fist until he died of malaria in 1524. Only 15 years later his remains were brought to Portugal for a dignified burial.

What were the discoveries of the navigator?

The thing is that in those years, India, as a country, was already known to the Old World. But Vasco da Gama managed to open a direct sea route there. This marked the end of the Arab monopoly, and the Europeans began active colonization of India. The Portuguese colonial policy was harsh and bloody. Entire villages were destroyed on the Indian shores. When conquering lands, the Portuguese did not spare either women or children, and dealt with men in a sophisticated and lengthy manner.

Da Gama also became the first European who managed to circumnavigate all African shores. In addition, it was Vasco da Gama who explored the southern African coast in detail. Before him, no white navigator had managed to do this. This is how more detailed sea and land maps of Indian and African lands appeared.

Vasco da Gama: character

What kind of person was the famous pioneer? According to historical data, da Gama had the following character qualities:

• Ambitious;
• Imperious;
• Emotional;
• Greedy;
• Cruel;
• Brave;
• Valiant.

Only a person who possessed all the listed qualities, and also adored travel, could successfully overcome all the hardships of the journey and achieve success in any way. As viceroy, Vasco da Gama ruled harshly and unyieldingly. For the slightest disobedience, he always punished the apostate with particular sophistication.

Personal life of Vasco da Gama

The personal life of the tough and ambitious pioneer, like all the nobility of that time, was not made public. Therefore, not much is known about her. There is information that Vasco was married to the noblewoman Catarina di Ataidi. In this marriage Vasco had six children.

The navigator's eldest son was named Francisco. It was he who became the heir to his father's title, but never went sailing with him, staying at home.

The second son Estevan was with his father on the third voyage to the Indian shores. There he received the title of Governor of Portuguese India. He was the captain of Malacca.

Vasco's third son Paulo was also with him on the third voyage. Near Malacca he died in a naval battle.

Cristovan, the fourth son of the da Gama family, also visited India, as did his brothers Pedro and Alvaro. Vasco da Gama's daughter Isabel was married to Don Ignacius de Noronha, who had the title of count.

In 1747, the male side of the Vasco da Gama family ceased to exist. The title began to be passed down through the female line. Today Vasco da Gama also has descendants.

Vasco da Gama: interesting and bloody facts

If it seems to someone that the discovery of a sea route to India was an easy adventure, then this person simply knows nothing about the morals and laws of that time. To achieve influence on the Indian shores, Vasco da Gama committed cruel and impulsive acts. He took part in naval battles, robbed and killed.

The following information is known about Vasco da Gama:

• The sailor was a bastard. He was born from a relationship condemned by society, but the boy’s noble father still took him in to raise his son in luxury. From childhood, Vasco knew that he had no right to count on his father’s inheritance, so he tried with all his might to earn the title on his own;
• During the first capture of a pirate ship, Vasco sophisticatedly tortured the crew. Rumors spread about his sadistic tendencies;
• Da Gama's exploits were predicted by the astrologer Abraham Ben Zacuto, who was Vasco's teacher;
• Da Gama's first armada consisted of only 4 ships;
• When the crew during the voyage fell ill with scurvy and rebelled, Vasco da Gama ordered the rebels to be put in chains;
• For the first expedition, the navigator received 1000 croisades and the rank of admiral from the king;
• On his second voyage, Vasco da Gama captured an Indian ship, locked the prisoners in the hold and set it on fire. Even women and children were not spared;
• Vasco's team always included criminals, whom he often sent on reconnaissance missions;
• During the colonization of India, Vasco da Gama committed many atrocities that would make a normal person shudder.

It is known that Vasco always used an astrolabe and a sextant on his journey. He drew maps using meridians and parallels. He exchanged fabrics from the natives for ivory jewelry. Invented NCIS.

Today, there is much controversy surrounding the controversial personality of Vasco da Gama. Despite this, a city in Goa is named after him. He is considered a hero of Portugal. The longest European bridge is named in his honor. His portraits appear on Portuguese banknotes and coins.

A Brazilian football club is also named after da Gama. There is a crater on the moon named after Vasco da Gama. There is also an award in the world with the same name as the navigator, which is awarded for outstanding achievements in the field of geography.

In general, the life, travels and personality of the outstanding navigator raise many questions. There are many gaps in his biography, and his actions seem too cruel to many. But Vasco’s achievements are undeniable and recognized throughout the world. Although even for the time when the navigator lived, some of his actions made people tremble with horror if they heard about them.