A Journal of the First Voyage of Vasco da Gama 1497-1499

A Journal of the First Voyage of Vasco da Gama 1497-1499

HE discovery of an ocean route to India, in 1497-98, marks an epoch in the history of geographical exploration no less than in that of commerce. It confirmed the hypothesis of a circumambient ocean, first put forward by Hecataeus, but rejected by Ptolemy and his numerous followers; and, at the same time diverted into a new channel the profitable spice trade with the East which for ages had passed through Syria and Alexandria. In consequence of this diversion Venice lost her monopoly, and Lisbon became for a time the great spice-market of Europe. But Portugal was a small country whose resources were hardly even equal to the task of waging the continuous wars with the Moors in which she had so unwisely been engaged for generations past. And when, in addition to her African forces, she was called upon to maintain great fleets in thexii distant East, in order to enforce her monopoly of the spice trade, at first in the face only of the Moors, and afterwards in that of powerful European rivals, her resources speedily came to an end, and she found herself exhausted and helpless. It may well be asked whether Portugal would not be happier now, and richer, too, had she never had the opportunity of dwelling upon these ancient glories; had the wealth of the Indies never been poured into her lap, only to breed corruption; and had her strength not been wasted in a struggle to which she was materially unequal, and which ended in exhaustion and ruin. Portugal, however, notwithstanding the sad ending of her vast Eastern enterprises, is still justly proud of the achievements of her great Vasco da Gama, and boldly places him by the side of Magelhesxiii and Christopher Columbus, as one of a noble triad which occupies the foremost rank among the great navigators of an Age of Great Discoveries. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 46440
Author: Sá, João de
Release Date: Jul 29, 2014
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Translator: Ravenstein, Ernest Georg, 1834-1913