Vasco da Gama
Portuguese explorer, Governor of India
Born
1469
556 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1524
500 years ago — 55 years old
Category
Explorers & Adventurers
Country
Portugal
Links & References
Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer and a key figure in the Age of Discovery. He was the first to reach India by sea, linking Europe and Asia via the ocean. Da Gama's voyages established a sea route to India that strengthened Portuguese trade and colonial power in the region. He served as the Governor of Portuguese India, overseeing the establishment of Portuguese influence in the Indian Ocean. His expeditions contributed to the mapping of the coasts of Africa and India and laid the groundwork for the Portuguese colonial empire.
First European to reach India by sea
Served as Governor of Portuguese India
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