João de Sá facts for kids

João de Sá was a brave Portuguese explorer. He lived during a time called the Age of Discovery. He is famous for sailing with Vasco da Gama. Their journey was the first time ships traveled directly from Europe to India. This happened between 1497 and 1514.

João de Sá's Amazing Journey

Vasco da Gama arrives in Calicut, India, in 1498.

João de Sá worked as a scrivener. A scrivener was like a secretary or a clerk. He wrote down important notes and records. He joined the first Portuguese trip to India.

He sailed on a ship called the São Rafael. This ship was a large sailing vessel called a carrack. Vasco da Gama's younger brother, Paulo da Gama, was the captain of the São Rafael.

On May 20, 1498, João de Sá was part of a small group. This group went with Vasco da Gama into the city of Calicut in India. This was a very important moment in history. It was the first time Europeans had reached India by sea.

The Difficult Return Voyage

The journey back home was very tough. The ship São Rafael had to be left behind. It was scuttled, meaning it was sunk on purpose. This happened off the coast of East Africa.

Many sailors had gotten sick during the trip. A disease called scurvy was common. Scurvy is caused by not getting enough vitamin C. Because so many sailors were ill, there were not enough healthy crew members. They could not manage all three ships anymore.

So, the remaining crew members were moved to the other two ships. These ships were the São Gabriel and the Berrio. João de Sá moved to the São Gabriel.

Taking Command of a Ship

Later, after sailing around Africa, João de Sá became the commander of the São Gabriel. This happened because Vasco da Gama decided to stay on Santiago Island. His brother Paulo was very sick there.

The São Gabriel, under João de Sá's command, reached Lisbon. Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. They arrived sometime in late July or early August. Sadly, Paulo da Gama died on his way back to Portugal. He was buried in a monastery.

Writing History: The Journal

João de Sá is thought to be one of the writers of an important book. It is called the Journal of Vasco Da Gama's trip of 1497. This book tells the story of the famous voyage.

For a long time, people thought another person wrote it. But newer studies suggest that João de Sá was the author. This journal is a very important historical record. It helps us understand what happened on that incredible journey.

Life After the Voyage

After returning from India, João de Sá stayed busy. He was connected to an important family, the Almeida family. He might have spent some time in a city called Safi in North Africa.

He also worked for the Bishop of Coimbra, D. Jorge de Almeida. This shows he was a trusted and important person.

Between 1511 and 1514, João de Sá had another important job. He was the treasurer of spices in the Casa da Índia. The Casa da Índia was a royal trading house. It managed all the valuable spices and goods brought back from India.

In January 1512, he was also made a cavalier by the king. This was a special title given by King John II. It showed his high status and achievements.