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.
