Vasco da Gama
Who was Vasco da Gama?
Vasco da Gama was an
explorer. He lived in
Portugal. He was born
in 1460 and died in
1524.
Vasco learned to swim,
fish and sail when he
was young.
At school, it is believed
that he studied
astronomy and
navigation.
Why is he famous?
Vasco da Gama is famous because he
helped to make his country wealthy
by trading with the East. He traded
with India and countries in Africa. He
brought spices and silks from India
and he established Portuguese
trading centres along the East coast
of Africa.
Making Portugal Rich
Vasco da Gama made Portugal rich
because the spices he brought from
India were rare. He also established
Portuguese trading ports along the
east coast of Africa. This was
important as it allowed for ships to
be repaired, restocked or to shelter
from inclement weather while on
route to India.
Dealing with Natives
Vasco da Gama was not nice to the
native people of some of the places
he visited. He became known for
being cruel and vicious and the
native people of India and Africa did
not like him because of his unkind
ways.
Trade Routes
Portugal
India
Africa
What do you remember?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
When was Vasco da Gama born?
What was his nationality?
Why did he become so well known?
Do you believe he was a kind and
generous person?
Describe the route he took as he sailed
to India.
What were the advantages of
establishing Portuguese ports in east
Africa.
Click on the link below to return to
our school website:

http://www.killeanps.com/explorers2.html