The Achievements of Vasco da Gama: 13 Facts , Part 2

When setting sail for home in August of 1498, da Gama was a bit too eager to travel, as he ignored the local whispers of avoiding the monsoon wind patterns. Despite heavy winds reaching onshore, he took off into the wild open. While crossing the Indian Ocean to India; and sailing with the monsoon wind had taken da Gama 23 days to get to their destination. However, the return trip took 132 days.

8) In January of 1499, da Gama finally reached Malindi. Unfortunately, nearly ½ the crew lost their lives. By the time they reached home, many of the remaining crew was suffering from scurvy. In July and August of 1499, two of da Gama’s ships made it back to Portugal.

9) In history, Vasco da Gama earned the reputation of a mediator of issues that took place in India, which is why he was chosen for another subcontinent expedition in 1524. It was thought that he was a suitable replacement for Eduardo de Menezes (who was deemed quite incompetent at the time) as viceroy (another way of saying ‘representative’) of the Portuguese possessions. However, da Gama met with a case of malaria shortly after arriving in Goa. He died in the city of Cochin , right on Christmas Eve in 1524.

10) In many different ways, the world has paid homage to Vasco da Gama. In Goa, there is a port city called Vasco da Gama. On the moon, a large crater was named after the explorer as well. In Brazil, three football clubs use his name, such as the Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama. In Goa, you will find the Vasco Sports Club. In Kochi, there is a church called the Kerala Vasco da Gama Church. Lisbon is home to the Vasco da Gama Bridge. A shopping center in the region is also called Centro Vasco da Gama. A suburb in Cape Town also represents the explorer , with the name Vasco.

11) Today, you may pay a visit to the statue of Vasco da Gama, which is situated at his birthplace of Sines, Portugal. At the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa , a monument stands to mark the Cross of Vasco da Gama. In Malindi, there is the pillar of Vasco da Gama to plan a trip to see. As for the tomb of Vasco da Gama, you will find this sight at the Jeronimos Monastery in Belem, Lisbon.

12) Da Gama’s body was initially buried at St. Francis Church (positioned at Fort Kochi) in the city by the same name. In 1539, his remains were returned to Portugal. His body was re-interred in Vidigueira in a casket adorned with gold and jewels.

13) Da Gama was married to Catarina de Ataide, producing six sons and one daughter. Some of his offspring includes Dom Francisco da Gama (2nd Count of Vidigueira), Dom Paulo da Gama, and Dom Alvaro de Ataide da Gama.