Gama, Vasco Da

Portuguese discoverer of the highway to India by sea. Like Columbus, he was materially aided in his voyage by Abraham Zacuto, astrologer to King D. Manuel. As commander-in-chief of the fleet destined for India, he set sail from Lisbon July 8, 1497, after conferring with and taking leave of Zacuto, whom he esteemed highly, in presence of the whole crew. See also Gama, Gaspard Da.

Bibliography:

  * Correa, Lendas da India, in Colleção de Monumentos Ineditos para a Historia das Conquistas dos Portuguezes, i., 10, 261 et seq.;
  * Kayserling, Christopher Columbus, pp. 112 et seq.;
  * Allg. Zeit. des Jud. lxi. 348 et seq.



G. M. K.