Vasco Da Gama's Childhood

Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer and one of the most notable figures of the European Age of Discovery. The Age of Discovery also known as the Age of Exploration was a period between the early 15th century and the early years of the 17th century. During this period, the Europeans explored the oceans to seek options in trade. They used different types of sailing ships in their search of a trade route to Asia. The exploration began on Portugal with the creation of the carrack and the caravel shipping designs. They were the first ships to leave the Mediterranean to reach the Atlantic. In 1498, by reaching India, Vasco da Gama proved that the access to the Indian Ocean from the Atlantic was possible.

Vasco da Gama was born in 1460 or 1469. The exact year of his birth is not known. He was born on the southwest of Portugal, possibly in a house near the church of Nossa Senhora das Salas. He was the son of Estevao da Gama and Isabel Sodre. His father's family was closely associated with the military Order of Avis and later with the Order of St. James. Vasco da Gama's mother came from an English family.

During his childhood, Vasco da Gama was educated as a nobleman and he served in the court of King Joao II. He was brought up in a maritime environment and trained in fishing, sailing and swimming during his childhood. At the age of fifteen he was a sailor. In Evora, he studied navigation and astronomy. Perhaps, he learned astronomy under the guidance of the astronomer Abraham Zacuto.

In 1492, King John II of Portugal sent Vasco da Gama to the port of Setubal to capture the French ships engaged in peacetime predations against the Portuguese. Vasco da Gama effectively accomplished this feat. From the early years of the fifteenth century, the nautical school of Henry the Navigator was exploring the African coastline. Their plan was to reach India via a sea-route. There were ongoing plans since Vasco da Gama was a child of an age ten.

There is an interesting story behind how Vasco da Gama was chosen on the mission of seeking a sea route to India. It so happened that Bartholomew Diaz, a Nobleman of the Royal Household and a Portuguese explorer was chosen for the expedition to search for a sea-route to India. He failed in accomplishing the mission after which Estevao da Gama was selected. Unfortunately, he expired even before the project details were made final. Eventually, the king had to choose Vasco da Gama for the voyage to India.

Vasco da Gama was known for his firmness and fortitude. He was a forceful individual. After the death of his father, Vasco da Gama took the charge of the sailing expedition. He sailed from Lisbon in July 1497 and arrived in Calicut, India the following year. After his voyage from Africa to India, King Emmanuel I conferred on him the title 'Dom' or lord. On returning, he was welcomed with a grand celebration.

Vasco da Gama showed signs of intellect and courage during his childhood. His family background helped in fostering his skills in navigation. His pursuit of navigational and sailing skills made in childhood as also his leadership qualities led him to become a naval officer at the age of twenty-three. Not much is known about Vasco da Gama's childhood but it was during the childhood years that the foundation of this well-famed personality was laid. He is a well-noted figure in the world history. He died in 1594. After hundreds of years after his death he is still remembered as the discoverer of the sea-route to India.