Vasco da Gama (c. 1460s-1524) was a famed Portuguese explorer, widely known as the first European to reach India by sea. He also served as the second
Viceroy of
Portuguese India, but died only three months into office.
On his first journey to India, Vasco da Gama carries a letter from King Manuel to Prester John. The trip is recorded in
The Journal of the First Voyage of Vasco da Gama to India.
