The Ottoman Empire controlled almost all European trade routes to Asia.
Vasco da Gama’s maritime career was during the period when Portugal was searching for a trade route around Africa to India. 3 These skills would all make him an acceptable choice to lead an expedition to India. By the age of twenty, he was the captain of a ship.
By fifteen he became familiar with trading ships that were docked in port. Here, he learned advanced mathematics, and studied principles of navigation. Vasco attended school in a larger village about 70 miles from Sines called Évora. But because he lived close to a seaport town, he probably also learned about ships and navigation. 2 His father’s role in the court would have allowed young Vasco to have a good education. His father, Estêvão da Gama, was a knight in the Duke of Viseu’s court and his mother was a noblewoman named Isabel Sodré. It is believed he was born between 14 in Sines, Portugal. Vasco da Gama’s exact birthdate and place is unknown. Portugal celebrated his success, and his voyage launched a new era of discovery and world trade.
By doing so, he helped open a major trade route to Asia. Europeans during this time were looking to find a faster way to reach India by sailing around Africa. But they had to navigate long ways over sea and land to reach them in Asia. Gold, spices, and other riches were valuable in Europe. Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who sailed to India from Europe.
