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Vasco Da Gama's Discovery

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The well known Christopher Columbus was not the only explorer from the Iberian Peninsula who shaped the world today. Vasco Da Gama, a less popular explorer, actually had a large impact and array of accomplishments. He set off for India in 1497, following his passion to explore and be the first to reach Calicut. Gama was placed on the Saõ Gabriel by King Manuel to find spices and open up a sea route to India. Gama was inspired to explore because of the Renaissance in Europe. One of the ideals of the renaissance was “sense of adventure.” This focused on exploration and curiosity, leading people to explore new parts of the world. Like many other explorers, Gama was inspired by these ideals and the discoveries they made because of it has impacted …show more content…

Besides the search for spices in India, he had opened up access to India through the ocean, something no one had ever done. When he reached Calicut, where the spices were said to be, he found more than just that. He discovered new cultures and religions. According to Vasco da Gama: Round Africa to India, 1497-1498 CE, “Both Prince John and Prince Manuel continued the efforts of Prince Henry to find a sea route to India...His expedition turned the commerce of Europe from the Mediterranean cities to the Atlantic Coast and opened up the east to European enterprise” (Thatcher 1). The overall goal of the voyages was to find a sea route in order to make trade and travel to the East safer. Before Da Gama, the only way to access India for trade was through the treacherous silk road. It changed the overall commerce and safety when he did. Also, in India, he discovered the culture and religion of the indigenous people. According to the same source, “The city of Calicut is inhabited by Christians. [The first voyagers to India mistook the Hindus for Christians.] They are of tawny complexion. Some of them have big beards and long hair, whilst others clip their hair short or shave the head, merely allowing a tuft to remain on the crown as a sign that they are Christians” (Thatcher 1). Although they hadn’t realized it,

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