Gama
DOM VASCO DA, a noted Portuguese navigator, who first made the voyage to the East Indies by the Cape of Good Hope; born of a noble VASCO DA GAMA family in Sines, Portugal, in 1450. The voyage had been projected under John II., and his successor, Emmanuel the Fortunate, having fitted out four vessels, intrusted Gama with the chief command. He sailed from Lisbon July 8, 1497, and doubling the Cape, visited Mozambique, Mombaza, Melinda, and Cali- Vol. IV-Cyc-Q GAMBIA cut, returning to Lisbon in 1499. For this exploit he was named Admiral of the Indies. In the year 1502 he was placed at the head of a powerful fleet, with which he provided for the of future voyagers by founding estabr the security founding estab- He established the first Portuguese faclishments at lishments at Mozambique and Sofala. . tory in the Indies. He re-entered Lisbon in 1503 and passed the next 20 years in obscurity. In 1524 he was appointed Viceroy of India by King John III., but months. He died in Cochin, India, Dec. his administration lasted only three 24, 1524. mentioned in Bible history, of whom the