This story is the sort of behavior that gets you kicked outta the party! But Da Gama was incredibly important to Portugal so they left his behavior slide! Here we will look at what Da Gama did for the world of exploration, Portugal; and the acts of cruelty against the Muslim people of Africa

Historians disagree on the date of Vasco da Gama’s birth. It was either 1460 or 1469 in Sines on the southwest coast of Portugal His father was Estevao da Gama who was also famous in his time. In 1460 he was appointed as a knight of the household of Infante Ferdinand, Duke of Viseu.He would hold this position until around 1478.

In 1480 he joined the Order of Santiago whose master was Prince John. John would eventually ascend to the Portuguese throne and become King John II. This connection would serve him well. Twelve years later King John would send Vasco da Gama on a mission to seize French ships. Vasco did so and he did it with much speed and effectiveness.

The Explorer

He would get his first taste of exploration with Bartolomeu Dias when has sailed around what is now called the Cape of Good Hope . Dias would not reach India, his mission was to prove that it was possible to sail around the Cape of Good Hope.

He would get his first taste of exploration with Bartolomeu Dias when has sailed around what is now called the . Dias would not reach India, his mission was to prove that it was possible to sail around the Cape of Good Hope. On July 8th, 1497 Vasco da Gama set out on his first voyage with 170 men from Lisbon. His mission would be to sail around the Cape and make his way to India.

On December 16th, 1497 Vasco da Gama reached the point where Bartolomeu Dias turned back. Vasco da Gama continued with hope that he would find a new route to India.

During his voyage he realized that the Eastern African coast was primarily Muslim. He believed that it would hinder him if they found out that he was Christian. In order to gain an audience with the Sultan of Mozambique he acted as if he was a Muslim. Unfortunately he was unable to give a suitable gift to the Sultan and was met with hostility and left. While leaving he turned his ship and fired into the city.

Around the city of Mombasa, da Gama began looting Arab merchant ships that were unarmed. This would not go over well with the Mombasa population. Although da Gama was the first European to sail into the port of Mombasa he was met with hostility.

In February of 1498, about 8 months since he first left Lisbon, he sailed into the port of Malindi. Malindi was friendly and happened to be at war with Mombasa. This is where da Gama first learned of Indian trade vessels. From here he would set sail to Calicut, India.

Vasco da Gama arrived near Calicut on May 20th, 1498. The Kind of Calicut was hospitable but unimpressed with da Gama’s gifts. Muslim traders who perceived the European as a rival accused him of being nothing more than a pirate. These things would strain the relationship between the King and Vasco da Gama. Even-so he would return to Portugal with riches worth 60 times more than the expedition.

Vasco da Gama returned to Portugal in September of 1499. Upon his return he would receive the title “The Admiral of the Indian Seas.”

Da Gama’s Cruelty

Upon his second arrival in India Vasco da Gama began to seize any Arab vessel he came across. This led to the notorious Pilgrim Ship incident in which he captured a vessel carrying Muslims on a pilgrimage from Calicut to Mecca. Gasper Correia, a Portuguese historian, described his acts as one that is unequaled in cold-blooded cruelty. The Portuguese explorer looted the ship that was carrying 400 pilgrims among them were 50 women. He then proceeded to lock in every passenger on board and raze the ship. Women were bringing up their wealth and babies and begging for mercy. It is said that they brought up enough gold to ransom all the Christians in the Kingdom of Fez. Vasco da Gama would not spare any and burned alive every man, woman and child.

During his visit to Calicut he demanded that the King expel every Muslim from India. The King would refuse. In retaliation Vasco da Gama would bombard the city, destroying many houses and would also seize a rice vessel, capture the crew and cut off their hands, nose and ears. The King sent a priest to speak to Vasco da Gama. Da Gama would call him a spy and cut off his lips and ears and then proceed to sew a pair of dog ears onto his head.

After his privateer actions he would return to Portugal with numerous riches.

So there you have it! Vasco Da Gama was very successful in his travels for Portugal. He managed to reach India and set up numerous trade points along the way. He is so famous that the good people of Lisbon named this awesome bridge after him…even if he did have blood on his hands!

Vasco Da Gama’s name can also be seen in Brazil with the team Vasco Da Gama taking his name for their club (see Popular Culture – The Beautiful Game Blog for more!)

It didn’t end so well however for this explorer – he died of Malaria!

For more things historical! Why not explore other blogs here at The Áed

Vasco Da Gama Bridge – Lisbon, Portugal