Vasco de Gama and Bartolomeu Dias are both very accomplished explorers. They both competed their missions and helped open trade to the East Indies. There is one explorer that I believe contributed more to the age of exploration than the other. I do not agree with some of the actions of Vasco de Gama, killing innocent people and torturing others to show a sign of power, but I think that he contributed more to the age of exploration. Not only did he conquer the Cape of Storms, he bombarded Calicut and started trade with the East Indies.

Vasco de Gama was born in Sines, Portugal in 1469. His father Estavao, was an explorer and was originally chosen to make the voyage to India but died before he could complete the mission. His brother was then given the mission to travel to India but turned it down. The trip still...