Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who made a significant contribution to the discovery of new trade routes and the expansion of Portuguese territories. Synonyms for the name of this famous explorer include Vasco de Gama, Vasco da Gam and Vasco de Gam. He was born in Sines, Portugal in 1469 and died in Cochin, India in 1524 after a successful voyage to the east, opening up a new trade route between Europe and Asia. Vasco da Gama's successful voyages have been celebrated in several ways, including the use of his name as a synonym for exploration and discovery.