Vasco da Gama

A Portuguese navigator, in 1497–1498 Vasco da Gama commanded the fleet on the first exploratory voyage to India by sea, becoming the first European to complete this journey (1497–1499). For his achievements in 1502, he was honoured by King Manuel I with the title of "Admiral of the Seas of India, Persia, Arabia, and the entire Orient."

Vasco da Gama was born in Sines and began his career as a sailor in the court of King João II. He was chosen by King Manuel I to command the fleet that completed the discovery of the sea route to India (1497–1498).

The East shaped much of his career. He returned to India in 1502 to secure Portuguese commercial interests. Through alliances with the rulers of Cochin and Cannanore, he secured a decisive position in the Indian Ocean for the Portuguese crown.

In 1519, King Manuel I granted him the title of Count of Vidigueira. In 1524, King João III appointed him Viceroy of India. He died in Cochin later that year.

His mortal remains rest in the Monastery of the Jerónimos in Lisbon.