5. Vasco da Gama
Vasco da Gama, a pioneering Portuguese explorer, made history in 1498 by becoming the first European to reach India by sea. Navigating around Africa’s formidable Cape of Good Hope, he established a direct maritime route between Europe and Asia. This breakthrough not only revolutionized global trade but also set the stage for a new era of European colonial expansion in the East. Da Gama’s voyage reshaped economic and political dynamics across continents. Discover more about Vasco da Gama.
