Episode Details

In this episode of pplpod, we chart the violent and transformative life of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese nobleman who discovered the first direct maritime route between Europe and India. We discuss how his initial 1497 voyage around the Cape of Good Hope opened the door to the lucrative spice trade and marked the beginning of global imperialism,.

Beyond his navigational feats, we examine the brutal tactics da Gama employed to secure Portuguese dominance, including the notorious incident where he looted a pilgrim ship and burned over 400 passengers to death. Tune in to hear how this "Admiral of the Seas" navigated political rivalries, survived a submarine earthquake, and eventually died of malaria while serving as the Viceroy of India,,.