From rigorous sea voyages, to difficult journeys across land, explorers have helped shape the world's achievements and history in what has emerged to this day through natural curiosity and the desire for adventure. One of these adventurers, who we know today as Vasco da Gama, created a turning point in the history of exploration when he tested man's courage by sailing into the uncharted waters of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans in the hope of finding a en route to India. . His discovery opened a door to exploration and trade, while establishing a foundation for others to rise to and strive for. Before his life as an explorer began, Vasco da Gama's early years did much to contribute to his later adventurous life at sea. Born in 1460, da Gama was raised in Sines, Portugal, by his mother, Isabel Sodre, and his father, Estevao da Gama. During his childhood, his two closest playmates were his brother, Paulo da Gama, and Juan Ponce de Leon, who lived in the same neighborhood as da Gama and also later became a famous explorer. Da Gama's father was a distinguished and well-known military figure, but instead of following in his father's footsteps as many expected, da Gama chose to pursue his love of the sea. Growing up in the coastal town of Sines, da Gama spent much of his time as a child among sailors and fishing boats, allowing him to absorb many sailing and navigation skills. With pre-established sailing skills under his belt, da Gama made the decision to join the navy as soon as he was old enough to earn a reputation as a tough and fearless navigator. In 1492, King John II appointed da Gama commander of an attack against French ships in revenge against the French government as a result...... middle of paper......life after the death of King Manuel, king John III requested da Gama's leadership on another trip to India to address the growing corruption of Portuguese trade. Da Gama sailed once again to India in 1524, and before departing Portugal, da Gama received the noble title of Viceroy which allowed him to govern India's colonies. Upon arrival, da Gama fell ill with an unknown illness while in Cochin, India, and sadly passed away leaving behind a legacy for others to admire and aspire towards. Although da Gama's discovery of the trade route to India proved to be a tragedy for Indians in later years, he succeeded in creating a path for future explorers to follow, while expanding knowledge of the world. His expedition proved that any journey or objective, whether by land or sea, can be accomplished with an instilled will and unwavering determination. As quoted by da Gama himself