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Vasco da Gama Sets Sail for India

Type Event Region Europe Time 1497

In July 1497, Vasco da Gama departed Lisbon with four ships to round the Cape of Good Hope and reach India, a key step in Portugal's Age of Discovery…

Timeline

  1. 1497Restelo, Lisbon · PortugalDa Gama led four ships, including the São Gabriel, and departed Lisbon with the support of King Manuel I, aiming to find a sea route to India.
  2. 1497Cape Verde Islands · Cape VerdeAfter resupplying at the Cape Verde Islands, the fleet sailed south along the West African coast, using trade winds and ocean currents to cross the equator and push toward South Africa.
  3. 1497Cape of Good Hope · South AfricaThe fleet successfully rounded the Cape of Good Hope and entered Indian Ocean waters, marking the first time European ships crossed the southern tip of Africa from west to east on this route, paving the way for continuing north to India.

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