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In 1498, Vasco da Gama sailed directly from Portugal to India around the southern tip of Africa.  His accomplishment and Columbus's would transform the world and usher in the age of true globalization.  In this episode, I discuss the background to da Gama's voyage.  I explain the impetus for the  Portuguese to seek a direct route to India starting in the 14th century.  I explain the role of Prince Henry the Navigator in this endeavor.  I also outline the major milestones of  Portuguese exploration along the west African coast.


Links to resources
Map of Portugal
Map of Portuguese discoveries
A Journal of the First Voyage of Vasco da Gama 1497-1499 (The Project Gutenberg)
A History of Portuguese Overseas Expansion 1400–1668 by Malyn Newitt
The Career and Legend of Vasco da Gama by Sanjay Subrahmanyam

Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D

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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D