Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese nobleman, was born around 1460. Da Gama sailed from Lisbon on July 8, 1497, with a crew of 170 men. He arrived at Calicut (now Kozhikode) on May 20, 1498.

Da Gama set sail on the first European voyage to India, more than 500 years ago, on this day (July 8). On his journey, he made stops at Mozambique, Mombasa and Malindi. His voyage opened the first all-water trade route between Europe and Asia.

It has been more than 500 years since he started his journey to India.

Here are some facts on the Portuguese navigator and his journey:

His father was the Governor of Sines, Portugal

Teixeira de Aragao, a Portuguese historian, suggested that he studied at the inland town of Evora, where he learned mathematics and navigation

It has also been claimed that he studied under the astrologer and astronomer, Abraham Zacuto

On July 8, 1497, Vasco da Gama led a fleet of four ships with a crew of 170 men from Lisbon

The four ships sailed a distance of more than 10,000 kilometres for over three months

Vasco da Gama spent March 2 to March 29, in the year 1498, in the district of Mozambique Island. Fearing unfriendliness from the local population, da Gama impersonated a Muslim

As the explorer was unable to provide a suitable gift to the ruler of Mozambique, the local population became suspicious of da Gama and his men. This forced da Gama and his men to flee Mozambique, firing cannons into the city

The fleet arrived in Kappadu near Calicut, India, on May 20, 1498. The navigator was received with traditional hospitality

The presents that da Gama sent to the Indian king were four cloaks of scarlet cloth, six hats, four branches of corals, a box with seven brass vessels, a chest of sugar, two barrels of oil and a cask of honey

The gifts failed to impress since there was no gold or silver. As a result, Vasco da Gama's requests were turned down by the king

Vasco da Gama left Calicut (now Kozhikode) on August 29, 1498

Vasco da Gama commanded two more fleets to India

Originally Vasco's father, Estevao, was supposed to lead the exploration fleet. Eventually, the command was given to his son Vasco instead

There is a crater on the moon named Vasco da Gama.

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