Ted Stolenburg, age 12, of Champaign, I11., for his question:

WHO WAS VASCO DA GAMA?

Vasco Da Gama was a Portuguese explorer and the first European to sail around the Cape of Good Hope to India. His fleet of four ships left Portugal on July 8, 1497. The ships rounded the Cape of Good Hope in November and arrived at Calicut (Kozhikode) India in May, 1498.

The Indian ruler received Da Gama coolly. Arab traders, resenting Da Gama's presence, set the Hindus against him and the Portuguese were in constant danger.

When Da Gama returned to Portugal with a cargo of spice, the king rewarded him with the title of Admiral of the Sea of the Indies.

Later the king made Da Gama Count of Vidigueria and helped him become wealthy against Portuguese sailors and to establish colonies. He retired after that voyage but during the next 20 years he acted as adviser to King Manual and Manuel's successor, King John III.

In 1524, the king sent Da Gama to India to Serve as viceroy. Da Gama died later that year in India.