Vasco da Gama was born in Sines, Portugal, in 1469. Da Gama also served as a navel officer, and in 1492 he commanded the defense of the Portuguese colonies against the French on the Guinea coast. Da Gama was then given the mission of taking command of the first Portuguese expedition around Africa to India. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay When Vasco da Gama set sail on July 8, 1497, he and his crew planned and equipped four ships. Da Gama's brother Paulo commanded the Sao Rafael. The other two ships were the Berrio and the Starship. Most of the men working on these ships were convicts and were treated like property. During the voyage, da Gama departed from Lisbon, Portugal, rounded the Cape of Good Hope on November 22, and sailed north. Da Gama made several stops along the northern coast of Africa, including at shopping centers. As the ships sailed along the east coast of Africa, many conflicts arose between the Portuguese and the Muslims who had already established trading centers along the coast. Vasco da Gama finally arrived in Calicut, India on May 20, 1498. Calicut was the main trading market for gems, pearls, and spices. At first, the Portuguese were welcomed and accepted by the Hindu ruler. There was a big ceremony and da Gama was taken to a Hindu temple. But this immediate reaction did not last. The sovereign then felt insulted by the gifts brought by Vasco da Gama, because they had little value for him. Da Gama was unable to establish his trading station or negotiate a trade agreement because the Zamorin, a Hindu king, did not want to isolate local merchants. Da Gama was furious and on August 29, 1498, Da Gama and his crew left with all their possessions and five hostages. Vasco da Gama and his crew departed in August 1498 and reached Lisbon in September 1499. The return journey was very long as many sailors died from diseases such as scurvy. On his return, Vasco da Gama was rewarded with a great celebration. Da Gama was considered a hero and King Manoel awarded him titles and significant income. When Vasco da Gama set out on his second expedition on February 12, 1502, he was prepared to confront Muslim traders. He set out with 20 well-armed ships, hoping to force his way into the market and take revenge on the Muslims for the opposition of 1498. Da Gama killed many innocent Indians and Muslims. In one case, da Gama was awaiting the return of a ship from Mecca, a Muslim commercial and religious center. The Portuguese overtook the ship and seized all the goods. When da Gama arrived in Calicut on October 30, 1502, the Zamorin were ready to sign a treaty. Da Gama told him he should ban all Muslims. Later, da Gama bombarded the city with guns and forced his way into the trade system. In February 1503, da Gama returned home. During his final trip to India, da Gama fell ill and died on December 24, 1524. Vasco da Gama's remains were brought back to Portugal, where he was buried in the chapel where he had prayed before his first trip..