Portugal had be exploring and postulating for many years prior to Vasco da Gama ascension to the Lisbon court about the possibility of a sea route to the lucrative spice regions of India. The naval raids were conducted at Setubal and the Algarve, Vasco da Gama was able to seize French trading ships which brought respect and ransom from the French government and admiration for Vasco. The real break for Vasco da Gama came when the King John II commanded that Vasco da Gama command a small raiding flotilla to avenge the attacks by French sailors. During this time he married Dona Isabel Sodré who was of English descendant and close ties to the Portuguese royal family, these connections and his increasing wealth brought him closer to the royal court of Lisbon.
The district of Sines included the soap producing town of Estremoz, of which Vasco da Gama was able to skim a portion of the taxes for his own adventures. His progression lead him to become the governor of his home town, Sines. It is believed during this time Vasco da Gama gained his proficiency in astronomy and mathematics.Īfter his studies he joined the Duke of Viseu household and became a respect knight.
His parent’s wealth was able to provide an extensive education and Vasco da Gama studied at the university Evora. Vasco da Gama was born in 1469 into a large land owning family in the small fishing town of Sines. Sadly Vasco da Gama momentous voyages and discoveries are masked by the heavy enforcement of imperial views on colonial states, which Vasco da Gama duly acted out. Vasco da Gama almost single handily altered Portugal’s status from a minor Europe state into the most respected of sea faring nations which flourished as the vast wealth from trade flooded through Lisbon, this was Portugal’s Golden era. Vasco da Gama's adventures were popularised and promoted during the Salazar dictatorship era to encourage Portugal’s self belief and still today his name stirs patriotism within the Portuguese. His voyages of discovery around the Cape of Good Hope, that discovered the oceanic trading route to India, rightfully earned him a reputation as one of the worlds greatest pioneer explores. Vasco da Gama is Portugal’s most popular historical figure who confirmed Portugal’s seafaring brilliance during the early 16th century.