Vasco de Gama

Vasco da Gama was born in Sines, Portugal in 1469. Da Gama also served as a navel officer, and in 1492 he commanded a defence of Portuguese colonies from the French on the coast of Guinea. Da Gama was then given the mission to the take command of the first Portuguese expedition around Africa to India. When Vasco da Gama set out on July 8, 1497 he and his crew planned and equipped four ships. Paulo, da Gama's brother, …

…Da Gama told him that he would have to banish all of the Muslims. Later da Gama bombarded the city with guns and forced his way into the trading system. In February of 1503, da Gama returned home. During his final voyage to India, da Gama got sick and died on December 24, 1524. Vasco da Gama's remains were taken back to Portugal, where he was buried in the chapel where he had prayed before his first voyage.