The Age Of Discovery - Vasco Da Gama

Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese nobleman, was appointed by King Manuel I to lead a fleet to India to break the Arab trade monopoly in the Indian Ocean. In 1497, he embarked on a journey with four ships, navigating around the Cape of Good Hope and up the East African coast. With the help of a local pilot, he reached Southern India, where he faced resistance from local rulers and Muslim leaders. Despite initial challenges, the Portuguese eventually gained control of the Indian Ocean through the use of broadside artillery, allowing them to dominate trade routes. Da Gama was honored with the title Lord of the Conquest, Navigation, and Commerce of India, Arabia, and Persia.

What new insight or understanding did you gain from this video?