Post about Vasco da Gama in English. Biography of Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese navigator who opened the way to India for Europeans, thereby influenced serious influence for the further course of history.

Da Gama was born in the 60s of the 15th century (there is some debate about the year) into a noble but poor noble family.

In his youth he served in the Portuguese navy and was a knight of the Order of Santiago.

In 1497, he was appointed head of the squadron sent to open the route to India for Portugal. The goal was to gain access to oriental spices, the trade of which brought huge profits, but was in the hands of Arab merchants.

Da Gama's flotilla passed the cape Good Hope, visited Mombasa and Mozambique. With the help of an Arab pilot, the ships reached India, visiting Calicut. In 1499, the Portuguese flotilla returned home; goods purchased in India yielded a profit of 6,000 percent.

During the second expedition led by da Gama, which took place in 1502-1503, fortresses were founded on the eastern coast of Africa and the local ruler, the Arab emir of Kilwa, was forced to pay tribute to the Portuguese crown.

During his travels, da Gama did not disdain direct piracy, capturing merchant ships, and also carried out punitive actions, destroying rebellious cities with the help of ship artillery.

However, despite his services to his country, it was only in 1519 that da Gama received the title of Count of Vidigueira and land grants. Prior to this, the king had thanked the discoverer of the route to India only with a pension and appointment as admiral of the Great Ocean.

In 1524 he became Indian viceroy. Da Gama fought against the abuses of the colonial administration, but died that same year after contracting malaria.

The opening of the route to rich India enriched Portugal. However, the money flowing into the country from the spice trade led to stagnation in the Portuguese economy. Making fortunes through robbery and trade turned out to be more profitable than developing industrial production. As a result, da Gama played an ambiguous role in the fate of his homeland and indirectly helped England and Holland to get ahead. The discoveries of the Portuguese navigator contributed to the fall of India and a number of other countries into colonial dependence, but they also gave impetus to the initial accumulation of capital.

Option 2

Vasco da Gama was one of the first famous discoverers of Portuguese origin, who successfully traveled to India, circumnavigating the African continent. He was born at the beginning of the second half of the 15th century AD. in the family of the knight of Portugal E. da Gama. From the discoverer sea ​​route Several brothers also grew up in India in the family. The eldest of them, Paolo, also took part in the trip to India. Vasco had an ancient, well-born origin, although the family was not very wealthy. His grandfather received the title of knight during the Reconquista for valor and bravery in battles with Muslims.

Vasco da Gama and his brothers became members of the military Catholic order of Santiago. Also, the future discoverer studied astronomy, navigation and mathematics, which greatly helped him in sea ​​travel. Moreover, he is with youth took part in naval battles. So, Da Gama, on behalf of the Portuguese monarch, captured French ships that were in the roadstead along the French coast in order to force the King of France to return the stolen Portuguese ship with gold from Guinea. So he became popular even before his famous trip to India.

Vasco da Gama became the first navigator to circumnavigate Africa to reach India via the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This journey became the impetus for the long-term management of Europeans in Asia, and also marked the beginning of five centuries of colonial rule of the Portuguese in India.

On 07/08/1497, da Gama's ships left the capital of Portugal in celebration and set off on their first voyage to India. During this journey, the discoverer studied southern shores African continent, established trade relations with the Sultan of Mozambique, was the first European resident, who was visiting sea ​​ports Africa.

On May 20, 1498, the Portuguese safely reached the Indian continent. The return journey was much more difficult due to pirate attacks, food shortages and the illness of the traveler's brother. But on September 18, 1499, the discoverer arrived back in Lisbon. The voyage claimed the lives of 2/3 of da Gama’s crew and the loss of two ships.

The journey of Vasco da Gama gave Portugal extensive possibilities development of trade on the Asian continent, which until then was carried out exclusively along the Great Chinese (Silk) Road.

From the beginning of the 16th century, the Portuguese began to constantly sail to India along the route laid by Vasco da Gama. Da Gama's second trip to India was already complete military operation to strengthen Portuguese influence in this territory, where he became viceroy. However, in 1524 he died of malaria.

Vladimir Karpovich Zheleznikov (1925-2015) is one of the representatives of children's prose literature Soviet period national history.

Vasco da Gama - Portuguese navigator. He became the first European to visit India. During his life, the traveler did several most important discoveries, including thanks to his efforts, it was once again proven that the Earth is spherical.

The navigator was born in 1460 (according to some sources 1469) in the seaside town of Sines, died on December 25, 1524. He was distinguished bad character. His compatriots considered Vasco a cruel and despotic man who completely lacked diplomatic skills. But this did not stop him from becoming a great man, and some shortcomings even helped him achieve success. With all my negative qualities Yes Gama was extremely honest and incorruptible, he cared about his family and loved ones.

Origin of the traveler

Little is known about Vasco's mother. The woman's name was Isabel Sodre, she came from an ancient English gender. One of the mother's ancestors was Frederick Sudley, who once accompanied Duke Edmund of Langley. The father of the future navigator was Estevan da Gama, the chief judge of the city. At that time he commanded a fortress, which was located in the southwest of Portugal.

In addition to Vasco, the family had five more sons and a daughter. Some studies confirm that Vasco and his brother Paulo were born out of wedlock. Because of this, they were later tonsured as monks. The sailor's ancestors were nobles by birth, one of them, Alvaro Annis, served King Afonso III. He was knighted after one of the battles. Estevan was also fond of traveling, and it was he who was initially entrusted with the expedition.

According to the research of some scientists, Vasco received his education in Évora. He paid special attention to the study of navigation, astronomy and mathematics. Since almost all the knights of that time were naval officers, in his youth, da Gama went to the navy, where he learned to sail a ship. People considered him a fearless sailor, confident in himself and his actions.

In 1480, the navigator became a member of the Order of Santiago. 12 years after this, he was one of the main commanders during the battle with the French corsairs. King Manuel I was admired by the young man’s courage and intelligence, so without any hesitation he assigned him an expedition to India to find a new sea route. The best navigation equipment was prepared for the trip.

Maiden voyage

In 1497, the sailor set off from Lisbon on his first voyage to India. The expedition involved three ships and more than 170 people, the voyage took place across Africa, past the Cape of Good Hope. When the team sailed to Mozambique, they were joined by the Arab Ahmad ibn Majida. Thanks to his tips, the expedition was able to shorten the path to the Hindustan Peninsula.

Three months after the start of the expedition, the Portuguese stopped in the bay, which was later named after St. Helena. In December 1947 they reached the territory that is now part of South Africa. Six months later, on May 20, 1948, the travelers arrived in Calicut. The local ruler appointed Vasco an audience. The sailor went to the Zamorin with gifts, but they did not impress the merchants at the court.

For some time, Da Gama tried to establish business in Calicut, but he failed to achieve his goal. Therefore, the navigator soon decided to leave the town, taking with him 20 fishermen, as well as supplies of herbs and spices.

The return from the first trip to India took place in September 1499. Many crew members did not live to see this moment; they were killed by scurvy. In Portugal, Vasco was rewarded; his compatriots considered him a hero. Da Gama was also appointed Don and Admiral Indian Ocean, and the king granted him a lifelong pension of 1000 cruzadas. But the navigator dreamed of becoming a city lord. The title was obtained only after leaving the Order of Santiago, then the sailor joined the members of the rival Order of Christ. The lord did not stop there; he wanted to become a count.

Second visit to India

After returning from India, Vasco received fame, recognition and honors, but it was never enough for him. During this time he married Catarina di Ataida, during life together they had six sons and a daughter.

Already in 1499, da Gama set sail again. This time he took 20 ships with him. During the journey, many Muslims were killed; Vasco did this only to confirm his power. The expedition returned in October 1503 with good news: Manuel I increased the sailor's pension, da Gama's family lived at the level of kings. But the title of count still seems unattainable to the traveler.

Other achievements

During his life, Vasco visited India three times. The last voyage was in 1502. The king set the navigator the goal of strengthening the Portuguese government, as a result of which several hundred Muslims were killed. Da Gama burned several ships containing pilgrims. In Calcutta, the army destroyed the port and nearly 40 hostages were killed.

In 1519, the sailor was awarded the title of count. He managed to achieve this through blackmail. Vasco wrote a letter to the king in which he stated that he was going to leave Portugal. Since the citizens could not afford to lose the navigator, Manuel I behaved diplomatically, giving the traveler what he wanted.

Da Gama died on December 24, 1524 in Cochin, a small Indian town. He suddenly came down with illness during the expedition, after which he died suddenly. His remains went to Portugal, where the navigator was buried in the small church of Quinta do Carmo. In 1880, Vasco's ashes were transferred to the Jeronimites Monastery, which is located in Lisbon.

Vashku is how his name is pronounced in Portuguese. He was born on different information, in 1460 or 1469, and died December 24, 1524. Family. Vasco's father, Estevan Da Gama, was an alkaid (in those days, a position corresponding to the Russian rank of governor) in the city of Sines.

His mother's name was Isabel Sodre, and she bore her husband five sons, of whom Vasco was the third. The family of the navigator was quite distinguished and ancient.

Youth

Presumably, da Gama received knowledge of navigation, astronomy and mathematics in Évora. One of his teachers is called Abraham Zacuto. From an early youth Vasco participated in naval battles- so, in 1492, he, fulfilling the instructions of the then monarch, captured all the French ships stationed in roadsteads along the French coast.

Preparing for your trip

For Portugal, the opening of a route to India by sea was strategic task of paramount importance, because this would give her the opportunity to profitably participate in international trade. For the expedition, which was to be led by da Gama, four ships were specially built: two “nau” - large three-masted ships with quadrangular sails, a maneuverable small caravel and transport ship, which transported supplies.

Maiden voyage

In July 1947, the entire armada left Lisbon with honors and soon reached the Canary Islands, which it bypassed. After a short stop on the Cape Verde Islands, the expedition moved southwest to delve into Atlantic Ocean and turn southeast after the equator. They reached land after 3 months; the bay in which they dropped anchor was called St. Helena Bay. After a conflict with local sailors, they had to leave these places, go around the Cape of Good Hope and stop in Mossel Bay. Then da Gama was granted an audience with the Sultan of Mozambique, but the latter expelled him from his possessions. Moving further along the African coast, the ships reached Malindi, where the sailors entered into an alliance against Mombasa with the local sheikh.

In Malindi, da Gama hired an experienced pilot to guide his ships to India. Already on May 20, 1948, Vasco ordered to drop anchor against the Indian city of Calicut. Although they were greeted favorably here and were even allowed to open a trading post, the goods that the Portuguese offered did not arouse interest; In addition, the Indians asked for fairly high duties. Da Gama was disappointed and decided to sail home. The ceremonial return to Portugal took place in August or September 1499. Only 55 people returned on 2 ships, but from the point of view of making a profit, the expedition was successful. The navigator was first given the title of Don, and then Admiral of the Indian Ocean, and was given a generous pension.

Second voyage

After the opening of the route, expeditions to India began to be organized every year. However, soon the alliance concluded earlier with Calicut was dissolved, and war began. To suppress Indian resistance, the Portuguese monarch sent a squadron to India, commanded by da Gama: 20 ships sailed in February 1502.

Arriving in, the Portuguese acted quite harshly, turning Calicut into ruins. The ruler of the city, having found support from his neighbors, tried to oppose the European fleet, but to no avail. Da Gama returned to his homeland in October 1503, received an increase in his pension for the victory, and then, in 1519, the title of count and land plots.

Third voyage

In 1505, the Portuguese king introduced the office of Viceroy of India. Those who occupied it replaced one another, but they could not strengthen the power of Portugal on Indian lands. As a result, in 1524 it was decided to give the position to Da Gama.

In April of the same year, he and his two sons went to India, where he took harsh measures to suppress the abuses of the colony administration. However, he was unable to finally restore order, because he contracted malaria and died on December 24, 1524. His body was buried in his homeland, in the Jeronimos Monastery.

The greatest navigator Vasco da Gama, who paved the sea route from Europe to India, is considered a heroic figure for the Portuguese. Biography famous traveler replete with not only discoveries, but also episodes of piracy and cynical murders.

The date of birth of Vasco is considered to be the interval from 1460 to 1469, since exact information are still unknown. The boy spent his childhood in the village of Sines, located on the sea coast. The boy was a descendant noble family and grew up in a wealthy family. Istevan da Gama compensated for his own guilt towards his son with money, so he did not refuse anything.

The boy's parents were in a sinful relationship and were not engaged at the time of his birth. Because of this, the baby was considered a bastard and had no right to claim an inheritance. This circumstance left a strong imprint on the formation of the character of Vasco, who from a young age knew that he would have to make his own way in life.

In the 15th century, illegitimate boys were tonsured as monks to ensure a full education and upbringing. In 1480, Vasco and his brother entered the Order of Santiago, where they studied mathematics, astronomy and navigation. The boys' teacher is considered to be Abraham Zacuto, who spoke respectfully of his capable students. The next period of the young man’s life is noted by historians as “12 mysterious years.”

Swimming

New information about Vasco da Gama appears in 1492. At this moment, pirates under the French flag captured a Portuguese galleon that was transporting gold from Guinea to Portugal. The offended King Manuel I ordered the experienced navigator to seize all the ships moored along the coast of France. Vasco da Gama's foray was so successful that upon his return from the voyage, he became incredibly popular.

The French returned the loot in exchange for ships. The conflict was resolved successfully. The sailors released from captivity recalled with horror the merciless and evil Portuguese invader, who subjected the men to torture and abuse. According to the stories of the sailors, the ship led by da Gama appeared out of nowhere, and the capture took place with lightning speed.

First trip

King Juan (Manuel's predecessor) dreamed of conquering India and even equipped an expedition, but the raid was unsuccessful. In 1497, the court astrologer and mathematician Abraham Ben Zacuto predicted that the “land of spices” would be conquered by 2 brothers. Remembering the valor and cruelty of the da Gama brothers, the Portuguese monarch appoints young Vasco as head of the expedition. On July 8, a flotilla consisting of three warships (San Rafael, San Gabriel, Berriu) and one transport ship departed from Lisbon.

The squadron safely passed Cape Verde, where the sailors replenished food supplies, and headed towards Africa along the Atlantic Ocean. The team saw the shore only 4 months after the start of the journey, having made a stop in St. Helena Bay. Local tribes met the sailors aggressively, starting an armed conflict. In the skirmish, Vasco was seriously wounded in the leg.

Having rounded the Cape of Good Hope, the sailors stopped in Mossel Bay, where they replenished supplies and sank the faulty transport ship. The sailors noticed that the natives wore woven clothes and understood the Arabic dialect. It becomes clear that Arabia is located nearby. The unknown lies ahead, as further territory not researched.

Due to a lack of provisions and difficult traveling conditions, the sailors fell ill with scurvy, and 50 people died. The team started a riot demanding to return to their homeland. Vasco did not succumb to provocations, but shackled the rebels. As soon as the squadron reached the territory of the Arab merchants, the journey turned into a pirate raid. Vasco da Gama deceived experienced pilots from the Sultan of Malindi. The Sultan concluded an agreement with the Portuguese aimed at destroying the Sheikh of Mombasa. But, having received guides, the treacherous da Gama simply plundered passing ships and fired at the coast.

An Arab pilot suggested the way to India, and in May 1498 the travelers reached the shores fairyland. The ruler of Calicut treated the sailors kindly and hospitably. But the Arab merchants informed the Zamorin about the pirate raids of the Portuguese and pointed out that the gifts brought were small. Therefore, local authorities arrested hundreds of sailors walking around the city. Vasco da Gama was not at a loss and detained the noble townspeople who arrived on the ship to inspect the European equipment.

The ruler of Calicut, fearing the cunning corsair, released the detainees. This was also facilitated by local merchants who wanted to expand trade routes to Christendom. Having filled the bins with herbs and spices, the brilliant schemer did not release the captives and set off on the return journey. After 20 days of trekking Portuguese travelers met a ship with Admiral Goa on board. Vasco brutal torture"convinced" a Jew to help in the attack on the islands.

On the admiral's deck, the corsairs came close to the coast and robbed the ships anchored along the coast. 30 people were captured and the rest were slaughtered. The journey home was difficult, as the sailors suffered from scurvy. Da Gama's brother also fell ill. 55 people returned from a long journey, the rest died from disease and battles with enemies. On September 18, 1499, Portuguese ships moored off the coast of Lisbon.

The goods and spices brought by the expedition covered the costs of their own preparations for the journey 60 times. The delighted king awarded Vasco a pension of 1,000 croisades and the title of “Admiral of the Indian Ocean.” But these gifts did not satisfy the demands of the ambitious Portuguese. The stigma of being a bastard haunted him, and the man sought to get rid of it, winning the respect of his fellow citizens and the title of count.

In 1500, the next expedition headed by Pedro Alvares set off for the shores of India. The man intended to build a trading settlement in Calicut, but Arab merchants prevented this. Under such incitement, the trading post was plundered and burned. Escaping from the city, Pedro fired at the coastal villages with cannons. War broke out between Portugal and India.

Second trip

Manuel I does not give up his dream of subjugating the “Golden Country” and sends the bloodthirsty Vasco da Gama on a second campaign. The company's goal is to enslave India and establish a Portuguese colony. In 1502, a navigator with 20 ships set off for the Indian Ocean. In October, the flotilla makes a stop in Kannanur, where the local rajah greets the conquerors with honors and generously rewards them.

On the way to Calicut, Vasco captured an Indian ship, ordered the prisoners to be locked in the hold and the ship to be set on fire. The despot spared neither women nor children. The survivors were finished off in the water. Approaching the city, the corsair fired at the coast with cannons. The thriving settlement turned into ruins. Da Gama's team captured 800 Indians. The prisoners were tied up, their hands, noses, ears were cut off, and their teeth were knocked out. After cruel abuse, people were executed by shooting from cannons.

This became a full-fledged act of intimidation and satisfaction of the sadistic inclinations of Vasco da Gama. It is known that the corsair also used people as targets for crossbowmen. The Portuguese sent the severed limbs of those executed to the Zamorin of the city, but he escaped without waiting for the next bloodshed. The mothers and wives of those killed wandered along the shore, looking for the bodies of their relatives. With the tacit consent of Vasco, the Portuguese caught the women and raped them.

The sailors set up a trading post on the captured territory, turning part of the peninsula into a Portuguese colony. In 1503 the conquerors returned to their native shores. The monarch again generously gifted the talented Vasco da Gama, but did not confer the coveted title of count. Then the famous corsair threatened to leave Portugal, as he did. Manuel I agreed with the arguments and appointed him Count of Vidigueira.

Personal life

ABOUT personal life the bloody sailor is only known to have married a girl belonging to noble family. The wife's name was Katarina di Ataidi. The noblewoman gave birth to Vasco six sons and a daughter.

Death

Before his death, Vasco da Gama committed last trip to India. By order of Juan III, the man went to the colony to restore order in the ranks of the administration, mired in corruption. But, having arrived at the place, he died of malaria in 1524. The son of the deceased brought the body to Portugal.

The ashes were placed in family crypt. In the 19th century, looters plundered the burial place. After this, it turned out that the tomb contained the remains of another person. The bones of Vasco da Gama were moved to Lisbon.

• Da Gama was illegitimate.
• Surprisingly, there is a city in Goa named after the navigator.
• Counts national hero Portugal.
• Vasco da Gama took a dozen criminals on his campaigns, who were sent on reconnaissance.
• He used an astrolabe and a sextant.
• Drew a map of the Indian coast using meridians and parallels.
• The longest European bridge is named after the sailor.
• The natives exchanged red caps for ivory items.
• He advised the king to create a marine police force in India.
• Photographs of the traveler are printed on stamps and commemorative coins of Portugal.

Equipment of the Gama expedition and transition to South Africa

After the discovery of “Western India” by Columbus’s Spanish expeditions, the Portuguese had to hurry to secure their “rights” to the East India. In 1497, a squadron was equipped to explore the sea route from Portugal - around Africa - to India. Suspicious Portuguese kings were wary of the famous navigators. Therefore the boss new expedition no longer Bartolomeu Dias, but a young, unproven courtier of noble origin Vasco (Vasco) da Gama, who, for unknown reasons, was chosen by the king Manuela I. He placed three ships at Gama’s disposal: two heavy ships, 100-120 tons (i.e. 200-240 metric tons) each, the San Gabriel, on which Vasco raised the admiral’s flag (captain Gonçalo Alvares, an experienced sailor), and the San Rafael, whose captain was appointed at Vasco’s request by his older brother Paulo da Gama, which had also not shown itself in any way before, and the light fast ship "Berriu" weighing 50 tons (captain Nicolau Quelho). In addition, the flotilla was accompanied by a transport ship carrying supplies. The chief navigator was an outstanding sailor Peru Alenquer, who previously sailed in the same position with B. Dias. The crew of all ships reached 140-170 people, this included 10-12 criminals: Gama begged them from the king in order to use them for dangerous assignments.

Portrait of Vasco da Gama at the age of 64. Museum of Ancient Arts, Lisbon

On July 8, 1497, the flotilla left Lisbon and probably went to Sierra Leone. From there, Gama, on the advice of experienced sailors, to avoid contrary winds and currents off the coast of the Equatorial and South Africa, moved to the southwest, and after the equator turned to the southeast. There is no more accurate data about Gama’s path in the Atlantic, and assumptions that he approached the coast of Brazil are based on the routes of later navigators, starting with Cabral. After almost four months of sailing, on November 1, the Portuguese spotted land in the east, and three days later they entered a wide bay, which they gave the name of St. Helena (St. Helena, 32 ° 40 "S), and opened the mouth of the Santiago River ( now Great Berg). Having landed on the shore, they saw two almost naked short men (Bushmen) with skin “the color of dry leaves”, smoking one from the nests of wild bees. Gama ordered him to be fed and clothed, and gave him several strings of beads. and bells and released. The next day, a dozen and a half Bushmen came, with whom Gama did the same, two days later - about fifty. They gave everything they had with them for trinkets, but these things were of no value in the eyes of the Portuguese. The Bushmen were shown gold, pearls and spices, they did not show any interest in them and it was not clear from their gestures that they had such things. This “idyl” ended in a skirmish due to the fault of the sailor, who had offended the Bushmen in some way. The Portuguese were wounded by stones and arrows. Gama used crossbows against the “enemies”. It is unknown how many natives were killed or wounded. Having rounded the southern tip of Africa, the Portuguese anchored in the “Shepherds’ Harbor” where Bartolomeu Dias killed the Hottentot. This time the sailors behaved peacefully, opened a “silent bargaining” and received a bull and ivory bracelets from the shepherds in exchange for red hats and bells.

Sailing along the coast of East Africa

By the end of December 1497, for the religious holiday of Christmas, Portuguese ships sailing to the northeast were located at approximately 31° S. w. against high bank, which Gama called Natal ("Christmas"). On January 11, 1498, the flotilla stopped at the mouth of a river. When the sailors landed on the shore, they were approached by a crowd of people who were sharply different from those they had met on the coast of Africa. A sailor who had previously lived in the country of Congo and spoke the local Bantu language addressed those who approached, and they understood him (all languages ​​of the Bantu family are similar). The country was densely populated by farmers who processed iron and non-ferrous metals: sailors saw them with iron tips on arrows and spears, daggers, copper bracelets and other jewelry. They met the Portuguese very friendly, and Gama called this land “the country of good people.”

Ships of Vasco da Gama's squadron. Gordon Miller

Moving north, on January 25 the ships entered the estuary at 18° south. sh., where several rivers flowed. Residents here also welcomed foreigners well. Two leaders wearing silk headdresses appeared on the shore. They imposed printed fabrics with patterns on the sailors, and the African accompanying them said that he was an alien and had already seen ships similar to the Portuguese. His story and the presence of goods undoubtedly of Asian origin convinced Gama that he was approaching India. He called the estuary “the river of good omens” and placed a padran on the bank - a stone coat of arms with inscriptions, which has been erected since the 80s. XV century by the Portuguese on the African coast at the most important points. From the west, Kwakwa, the northern branch of the Zambezi delta, flows into the estuary. In this regard, it is usually not entirely correct to say that Gama discovered the mouth of the Zambezi, and they transfer to the lower reaches of the river the name that he gave to the estuary. For a month the Portuguese stood at the mouth of the Kvakva, repairing ships. They suffered from scurvy, and the mortality rate was high. On February 24, the flotilla left the estuary. Staying away from the coast, bordered by a chain of islands, and stopping at night so as not to run aground, after five days she reached 15° S. w. port of Mozambique. Arab single-masted ships (dhows) visited the port annually and exported mainly slaves, gold, ivory and amber. Through the local sheikh (ruler), Gama hired two pilots in Mozambique. But the Arab traders recognized dangerous competitors in the aliens, and friendly relations soon turned hostile. Water, for example, could only be taken after the “enemy” had been dispersed by cannon fire, and when some of the inhabitants fled, the Portuguese captured several boats with their property and, by order of Gama, divided it among themselves as booty of war.

The Way of Vasco da Gama, 1497-1499.

On April 1, the flotilla left Mozambique to the north. Not trusting the Arab pilots, Gama seized a small sailing ship off the coast and tortured the old man, its owner, in order to obtain information necessary for further sailing. A week later, the flotilla approached the port city of Mombasa (4° S), where a powerful sheikh then ruled. A major slave trader himself, he probably sensed rivals in the Portuguese, but at first he welcomed the foreigners well. The next day, as the ships entered the harbor, the Arabs on board, including both pilots, jumped into a nearby dhow and fled. At night, Gama ordered the torture of two prisoners captured from Mozambique in order to find out from them about the “conspiracy in Mombasa.” Their hands were tied and they poured on naked body a boiling mixture of oil and tar. The unfortunate people, of course, confessed to the “conspiracy,” but since they, naturally, could not provide any details, the torture continued. One prisoner with his hands tied escaped from the hands of the executioners, threw himself into the water and drowned. Coming from Mombasa, Gama detained an Arab dhow at sea, plundered it and captured 19 people. On April 14, he anchored in Malindi harbor (3° S).

Ahmed Ibn Majid and the route across the Arabian Sea

The local sheikh greeted Gama friendly, since he himself was at enmity with Mombasa. He concluded an alliance with the Portuguese against a common enemy and gave them a reliable old pilot Ahmed Ibn Majid(hereditary navigator, whose father and grandfather were muallims (Muallim is a captain who knows astronomy and is familiar with the conditions of navigation along the coast, literally a teacher, mentor)), which was supposed to bring them to South-West India. The Portuguese left Malindi with him on April 24. Ibn Majid headed northeast and, taking advantage of the favorable monsoon, brought the ships to India, the coast of which appeared on May 17.

Seeing Indian land, Ibn Majid moved away from the dangerous shore and turned south. Three days later, a high cape appeared, probably Mount Delhi (at 12° N latitude). Then the pilot approached the admiral with the words: “This is the country you were striving for.” By the evening of May 20, 1498, the Portuguese ships, having advanced about 100 km to the south, stopped at a roadstead against the city of Calicut (now Kozhikode).

Portuguese in Calicut

In the morning, officials from Zamorin, the local ruler, visited the flotilla. Gama sent with them to the shore a criminal who knew little Arabic. According to the messenger's story, he was taken to two Arabs who spoke to him in Italian and Castilian. The first question he was asked was: “What devil brought you here?” The envoy replied that the Portuguese had come to Calicut “to look for Christians and spices.” One of the Arabs escorted the messenger back, congratulated Gama on his arrival and ended with the words: “Thank God that he brought you to such rich country" The Arab offered his services to Gama and was indeed very useful to him. The Arabs, very numerous in Calicut (in their hands were almost all foreign trade with South India), turned Zamorin against the Portuguese; Moreover, in Lisbon they did not think of supplying Gama with valuable gifts or gold to bribe the local authorities. After Gama personally handed Zamorin letters from the king, he and his retinue were detained. They were released only a day later, when the Portuguese unloaded some of their goods ashore. However, in the future, the Zamorin remained completely neutral and did not interfere with trade, but Muslims did not buy Portuguese goods, pointing out their low quality, and the poor Indians paid much less than the Portuguese expected to receive. Still, we managed to buy or receive in exchange cloves, cinnamon and gems- a little bit of everything.

Vasco da Gama brings gifts to the ruler of Calcutta.

Colored beads were brought as gifts, hats with feathers and many other similar things. The ruler did not accept the gifts, and his entourage “laughed as soon as they saw these gifts.” Paolo Novaresio, The Explorers, White Star, Italy, 2002

More than two months passed like this. On August 9, Gama sent Zamorin gifts (amber, corals, etc.) and said that he was going to leave and asked to send with him a representative with gifts to the king - with bahar (more than two centners) of cinnamon, bahar of cloves and samples of other spices. Zamorin demanded 600 sherafins (about 1,800 gold rubles) in customs duties, but in the meantime he ordered the goods to be detained in a warehouse and forbade residents to transport the Portuguese remaining on the shore to ships. However, Indian boats, as before, approached the ships, curious townspeople inspected them, and Gama very kindly received the guests. One day, having learned that there were noble persons among the visitors, he arrested several people and informed the Zamorin that he would release them when the Portuguese who remained on the shore and the detained goods were sent to the ships. A week later, after Gama threatened to execute the hostages, the Portuguese were taken to the ships. Gama released some of those arrested, promising to release the rest after the return of all goods. The Zamorin agents hesitated, and on August 29 Gama left Calicut with noble hostages on board.

Return to Lisbon

The ships moved slowly north along the Indian coast due to weak, variable winds. On September 20, the Portuguese anchored off the island. Anjidiv (14 ° 45 "N), where they repaired their ships. During the repair, pirates approached the island, but Gama put them to flight with cannon shots. Leaving Anjidiv in early October, the flotilla maneuvered or stood motionless for almost three months, until, finally, a favorable wind blew. In January 1499, the Portuguese reached Malindi. The sheikh supplied the flotilla with fresh supplies, at the insistent request of Gama, he sent a gift to the king (an elephant tusk) and set up a padran in the Mombasa area. Gama burned “San Rafael”. ": the greatly reduced team, in which many people were sick, was not able to manage three ships. On February 1, he reached Mozambique. Then it took seven weeks to travel to the Cape of Good Hope and another four to the Cape Verde Islands." San Gabriel was separated from Berriu, which, under the command of N. Cuelho, was the first to arrive in Lisbon on July 10, 1499.

Vasca da Gama. Portrait

Paulo da Gama was mortally ill. Vasco, very attached to him (the only human trait of his character), wanted his brother to die on native land. He transferred from Fr. Santiago from the San Gabriel boarded a fast caravel he had hired and went to the Azores, where Paulo died. Having buried him, Vasco arrived in Lisbon by the end of August. Of his four ships, only two returned ( It is unknown where and under what conditions the transport ship was abandoned or perished, and the fate of its crew is not clear) , of the crew - less than half (according to one version - 55 people) and among them a sailor Joao da Lisboa, who took part in the voyage, probably as a navigator. Later, he repeatedly took Portuguese ships to India and compiled a description of the route, including characteristics of the coast of Africa - not only large bays and bays, but also river mouths, capes and even individual noticeable points on the coast. This work is surpassed in detail only by mid-19th century V. "African pilot" of the British Admiralty.

Gama's expedition was not unprofitable for the crown, despite the loss of two ships: in Calicut it was possible to purchase spices and jewelry in exchange for government goods and personal belongings of sailors; Gama's pirate operations in the Arabian Sea brought considerable income. But, of course, this was not what caused rejoicing in Lisbon among the ruling circles. The expedition found out what enormous benefits direct sea trade with India could bring for them with proper economic, political and military organization affairs. The opening of a sea route to India for Europeans was one of greatest events in the history of world trade. From that moment until the digging of the Suez Canal (1869), the main trade of Europe with the countries of the Indian Ocean and with China did not go through the Mediterranean Sea, but through the Atlantic Ocean - past the Cape of Good Hope. Portugal, which held in its hands “the key to eastern navigation,” became in the 16th century. the strongest sea ​​power, seized a monopoly of trade from the South and East Asia and held it for 90 years - until the defeat " Invincible Armada"(1588).