Vasco da Gama was chosen to command a flotilla of four ships – two ‘’ nao’’s, or carracks, a caravel and a store ship.įor a variety of reasons nearly a decade had elapsed between Diaz’s return and the departure of the da Gama expedition. He was, however, asked to advise and assist in both the preparations and part of the voyage itself. Diaz was a seaman and navigator – undoubtedly one of the greatest of his age – but larger forces under a more sophisticated commander would be required for a successful – and profitable – outcome. Diaz rounded Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, and reached as far east as Algoa Bay in modern-day South Africa, but his crew mutinied at that point and Diaz was forced to return to Portugal. It is known that at some stage he was successful when directed by King John II to seize French ships in Portuguese ports as compensation for piracy.īartholomew Diaz had entered the Indian Ocean in 1488, sure that he had discovered the route to India, but was unprepared in both the capacity of his vessels and the enthusiasm of his crew for the hard work required to finish the journey. He was the son of a Portuguese knight, had received the education and training appropriate for his station, and it is thought he had studied navigation. In three expeditions between 14, two of them led by da Gama, Portugal established the European presence in the Indian Ocean that would form the basis of a Portuguese empire, parts of which would last into the late 20th century. Vasco da Gama (1460-1524), commanded the Portuguese expeditions that opened the sea route between Europe and India by sailing around the southern tip of Africa.
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