Perhaps, he learned astronomy under the guidance of the astronomer Abraham Zacuto. In Evora, he studied navigation and astronomy. He was brought up in a maritime environment and trained in fishing, sailing, and swimming during his childhood.Īt the age of fifteen he was a sailor. Vasco da Gama’s mother came from an English family.ĭuring his childhood, Vasco da Gama was educated as a nobleman and he served in the court of King Joao II. His father’s family was closely associated with the military Order of Avis and later with the Order of St. He was the son of Estevao da Gama and Isabel Sodre. He was born on the southwest of Portugal, possibly in a house near the church of Nossa Senhora das Salas. The exact year of his birth is not known. In 1498, by reaching India, Vasco da Gama proved that access to the Indian Ocean from the Atlantic was possible. They were the first ships to leave the Mediterranean to reach the Atlantic. The exploration began in Portugal with the creation of the carrack and the caravel shipping designs. They used different types of sailing ships in their search of a trade route to Asia. During this period, the Europeans explored the oceans to seek options in trade.

The Age of Discovery, also known as the Age of Exploration was a period between the early 15th century and the early years of the 17th century. Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer and one of the most notable figures in the European Age of Discovery.

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