The Question on Everyone’s Mind: Can Vasco-da-Gama Use Weapons?
Vasco-da-Gama, the renowned Portuguese explorer, is known for his remarkable journey to discover the sea route to Asia. His voyage, taking place in the 16th century, was indeed a groundbreaking achievement. Over the years, his biography has been extensively studied and debated, leaving many a question unanswered. One fascinating query that has garnered intense interest is whether Vasco-da-Gama was an expert in the use of weapons. In this article, we will delve deep into the life of the explorer and explore the controversy surrounding his proficiency in employing them.
Early Life: Setting the Stage
Prior to his illustrious nautical career, Vasco-da-Gama was tutored in the art of warfare by his father. Paio Pereira Corte-Real’s military background played an instrumental role in shaping Vasco-da-Gama‘s understanding of swords, firearms, and related combat techniques. Moreover, his family connections put him in close proximity to the Portuguese nobles, who were well-schooled in the realm of arms and armor [1].
First Experiences with Weapons
Following his father’s demise when Vasco-da-Gama was just a teenager (around 15 years), he began his own military journey within the Portuguese Navy. Aboard the Infantes, a galleon under the command of Pedro Afonso, Vasco-da-Gama participated in various actions against the Moors off the coast of Morocco[2]. It could be inferred that this, his first experience with military combat influenced his later life as the commander of the Armas.
Condemned to Death, Liberated, and then Ennobled
The execution of Vasco Pigafetta, a wealthy merchant, by Muhammad II led a chain of events that profoundly impacted Vasco-da-Gama’s life. While Pigafetta’s friend, King Manuel of Portugal, petitioned Spain for his release, Vasco-da-Gama took advantage of their intervention to gain grants of land and offices [3]. Prior to his voyage to explore the East, he went on to serve and fight in various military undertakings within Italy and Africa, which suggests that he continued to stay proficient in the use of weapons.
Vasque da Gama Conquest of Calicut?
In 1492, Vasco-da-Gama embarked on a venture to India, accompanied by a fleet of 1,000 men, cannons, and 150 chests of gunpowder, lead, and projectiles (bullets) [3]. His fleet anchored off the coast of Kilwa, present-day Tanzania, and, en route to Calicut’s Kozhikkode, the mariners faced various tribal skirmishes and the Portuguese naval forces fought courageously [4]. The battles that accompanied his journey, though initially successful, were often arduous and demanded close coordination with the use of cannons as well as small arms weaponry**.
Clandestine Activities:
In 1500s, Vasco Gama engaged in hidden activities. He _maintained close relationships with a number of merchants, mostly from the Venetians, who supplied him covertly with cement, lead, and coal [5]**.*** These clandestine operations undoubtedly allowed him to further exploit his understanding of warfare alongside his expertise in navigating different cultures.
Vascoda Gama: Use of Weapons in Asia-Pacific
Upon his return trip to Portugal, Calicut’s King Umbarikadha made a formal request to grant Vasco-da Gama the use of his weapons, both cannons and small arms firepower [6].[7] This suggests either that the Portuguese explorer managed to _develop or sustain his skills in weapons**, or that he demonstrated these abilities to the king so convincingly that it sealed his alliance.
Bibliography and Conclusion:
