Vasco da Gama (1466-1524)

According to Fernandes (2021), what the legend about Vasco da Gama hides is that he was very rude and violent, who robbed ships, ports, and people, killed and tortured many, and craved fortune and social status, being as he was an illegitimate son of lower nobility. 

The most ventilated episode illustrating this negative side of Vasco da Gama’s personality is “The Fate of the Miri,” a so-called chapter dedicated by Roger Crowley (2015, p.118-128). The Miri, a large dhow, would be carrying around 240 pilgrims from Mecca to Calicut. Vasco da Gama would have set fire to the boat and killed all on board, except “for its hunchback pilot and some twenty children, whom he ordered to be converted to Christianity.” (Crowley, p.128)

Vasco da Gama’s voyages, however, remain a cornerstone in global history. Reported as one of the first oral exchanges on arrival, between one landed crew member and a local, was the famous phrase according to which the expedition came on the search for Christians and spices, being probably irrelevant the arbitrary order of those objectives. Vasco da Gama’s role in connecting Europe and Asia via the Cape of Good Hope transformed global commerce and geopolitics.

According to Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations (1776), “The discovery of America, and that of a passage to the East Indies by the Cape of Good Hope, are the two greatest and most important events recorded in the history of mankind.” (Smith, p.622) Vasco da Gama’s voyages exemplify the latter, marking him as one of history’s pivotal figures. Not too bad for a small nation as Portugal to be responsible for at least one of those events – at least until the end of the 18th century, if not for both as I ventilate in the chapter about Columbus.

The impact of Vasco da Gama’s expeditions reshaped the balance of power in Europe and beyond. For better or worse, Vasco da Gama’s legacy is inseparable from the Age of Exploration. Even today, Vasco da Gama is studied for his remarkable achievements and the controversies that surround his methods. His role in opening the Cape Route not only boosted Portugal’s economy but also established Vasco da Gama as a symbol of ambition and resilience in maritime history.

Critics like Fernandes (2021) argue that Vasco da Gama’s darker side cannot be ignored. His actions in ports such as Calicut and Cochin reveal a brutal approach to securing Portugal’s dominance. However, Vasco da Gama’s name remains tied to the golden age of Portuguese discoveries. Despite these criticisms, Vasco da Gama’s voyages represent the spirit of exploration that defined an era.

By December 24, 2024, we commemorate 500 years since Vasco da Gama’s death. This milestone highlights not only his role as a key figure in maritime history but also the complexities of Vasco da Gama’s character. Through his voyages, Vasco da Gama transformed the world’s understanding of geography and commerce. 

The story of Vasco da Gama is a reminder of how ambition and discovery often come at a cost. His legacy, marked by both admiration and critique, ensures that Vasco da Gama remains one of history’s most debated explorers.

Vasco da Gama’s first voyage, in particular, stands as a testament to human endurance and ingenuity. From Lisbon to Calicut, Vasco da Gama and his crew faced immense challenges, including scurvy, storms, and hostile encounters. The name Vasco da Gama, therefore, is synonymous with courage and determination. Even five centuries later, Vasco da Gama’s name continues to evoke both awe and reflection, a fitting tribute to one of the most transformative figures in world history a trailblazer of globalization.