Paulo da Gama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paulo da Gama
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19th-century imagined portrait of Paulo da Gama
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| Born | c. 1465 |
| Died | June or July 1499 Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Kingdom of Portugal
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| Occupation | Explorer |
Paulo da Gama (born around 1465 in Olivença, Kingdom of Portugal – died June or July 1499 in Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal) was a Portuguese explorer. He was the older brother of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama. Paulo played an important role in the first sea voyage from Europe to India.
Contents
Paulo da Gama: An Explorer's Story
Joining the Great Journey
Paulo da Gama was part of a very important journey. This was the first time ships sailed directly from Europe to India. His younger brother, Vasco da Gama, led this historic trip. Paulo commanded his own ship, named the São Rafael.
The fleet left Portugal in 1497. They sailed around the southern tip of Africa. This was a long and dangerous trip. The goal was to find a sea route to India. This new route would help Portugal trade directly for spices and other goods.
The Return Home
After reaching India and trading there, the fleet began its journey back to Portugal. During the return trip, the ship São Rafael had problems. It was damaged and could not continue the journey. Because of this, the crew had to sink the ship.
Paulo da Gama then joined his brother on the ship São Gabriel. However, Paulo became very ill during the voyage. He was too sick to continue to Portugal.
His Final Days
When the ships reached the Terceira Island in the Azores, Paulo was very weak. His brother, Vasco, decided to stay with him. Vasco da Gama stayed by his brother's side until Paulo passed away. This happened in June or July of 1499.
After Paulo's death, Vasco da Gama continued his journey back to Portugal. Paulo da Gama was buried in the monastery of São Francisco. This monastery is located in the city of Angra in the Azores.
