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Vasco da Gama (1469-1524) is famous for his completion of the first all water trade route between Europe and India. In 1497, he followed Bartolomeu Dias' route to the Cape of Good Hope and continue sailing into unknown waters along the eastern coast of the African continent.

Vasco da Gama made various stops along the eastern coast of Africa in trading centers such as Mozambique, Mombasa, Malindi, and Quilmana. Many conflicts arose between the Portuguese and the Muslims who had already established trading centers along the coast. In Malindi the Portuguese were well received, because the ruler was hoping to gain an ally against Mombasa.

Size of Arrangement
Length 25.5 cm (10 inch), width 12.8 cm (5 inch), height 13.0 cm (5 1/4 inch).

The Ship Miniature
The nao Sao Gabriel was a typical explorer ship of the 15th and 16th century with 10 cannons. Scale 1:400 (32'-1").
Length 10.3 cm (4 inch), height 13.0 cm (5 1/4 inch).

The Maritime Objects
Replica naval chart: Replica of an old Portuguese naval chart of 1522 in the scale 1:4. By 1502, Portuguese cartographers were creating enormous master charts containing all the latest knowledge of coastlines, and oceans. Because these master charts were regarded as state secrets few Portuguese originals have survived. Most of charts known today are pirated copies collected by jealous Italian competitors.

Replica mariner's astrolabe: This portuguese mariner's astrolabe was used to determine the latitude of a ship at sea by measuring the noon altitude of the Sun or the meridian altitude of a star of known declination. Scale 1:4.

Genuine rope: From a beach at the Golfe du Lion, South of France, Mediterranien Sea.

Genuine wood: From a beach on the Golfe du Lion, South of France, Mediterranien Sea.

Glass dome
For this arrangement is no glass dome obtainable. If you prefer to have a glass dome, you can order a special edition of this arrangement including a glass dome. The ship miniature and the arrangement will be completely new build at no additional cost. The size of the arrangement will be rescaled.