Vasco da Gama was born around 1468-1469 in Sines, Portugal. He came from a seafaring family and devoted himself to a nautical career. In 1497, he was chosen to lead the first European expedition to sail directly from Portugal to India by sea. After numerous hardships, the fleet arrived in Calicut, India on May 20, 1498, having traveled over 8,500 miles in just under two years. Da Gama established trade relations and alliances between Portugal and parts of India. He returned to Portugal in 1499, becoming a wealthy and honored man. Da Gama led two more voyages to India in 1502 and 1524, solidifying Portugal's maritime empire