Vasco Da Gama was born in Sines, Portugal in 1460. Da Gama went to school in the town of Evora, Portugal learning astronomy and navigation. In 1492 Da Gama became a naval officer. In 1497 King Manuel of Portugal asked Da Gama's father, Estavao, if he would sail to India and he said yes. Estavao was set to start sailing in July of 1497 but he died before that date. Since Da Gama's father died Vasco was sent to sail instead. In July of 1497 Da Gama left Lisbon, Portugal with 3 ships,  the Beirio, The Saint Gabriel, and The Saint Raphael, and a crew of 170 men.

          On November 22, 1497, Da Gama rounded the Cape Of Good Hope, the southern most tip of Africa. After that he headed up the western coast of Africa. He stopped in many places and most people didn’t like the portugeese and tried to steal their ships.  on May 20, 1498, Da Gama landed in Kozhikode, India. At that point of time the Muslims controled the trade in that part of India and they threatend to not trade with the
Portugeese if they stayed. Da Gama decided to sail back to Portugal in August of 1498. Da Gama came back to Portugal with little stuff. Also on the voyage back a disease spreaded across the ships and many crew members died. He returned to Portugal with only 55 crew members. King Manuel named Vasco Da Gama admril of the sea. In 1500 Portugal sent another ship to India to stop the muslim trade. This time they succeeded. Vasco Da Gama wednt back to India again in 1502 with 15 ships. Da Gama killed many innocent muslims and  Indians to show his power. Da Gama also set up a big trading system in India. After that Portugal soon became the most powerful trading country in the Indian Ocean. Da Gama returned to Portugal in 1503 and retired from sailing. King Manuel promised to give Da Gama a monthly income for as long as he lived. In 1524 Da Gama decided to go back to India one last time. While in India Da Gama died. They sent his remains back to Portugal for a burial.
Today Vasco Da Gama is one of Portugals most famous people.