Vasco+da+Gama

Vasco de Gama was a Portugize sailor who was born in 1469. As a young man, he learned navigation. In 1492, he bacame a naval officer for the Portugize. He found a trade route to India by saling around Africa. He led four ships which were the St. Gabriel, St. Raphel, Berrio and a supply ship. The four boats held 170 people. While on the journey, he traded European goods for money from the Africians. Completing this journey gave Portugal power in military and trade. When he returned, he was named admiral of the Sea of India, and Viceroy of India by King John in 1524. He died working in India that same year.

Halikowski Smith, Stefan. "Da Gama, Vasco." __World Book Online__