Estêvão da Gama (Governor of Sines and Silves)

Estêvão da Gama (* around 1430 - † July 1497 ) was a Portuguese nobleman of the 15th century. He was the father of the explorer Vasco da Gama .

Estevão da Gama was Alcaide Mor ( governor ) of Sines and Silves , officer of King Alfonso V of Portugal, Commander of Cercal, member of the court of Prince Ferdinand, Duke of Guarda, and a member of the Knightly Order of Santiago .

His wife Isabel Sodré was of English descent, with connections to the court of Prince Diogo, Duke of Viseu, son of King Edward I of Portugal, and Grand Master of the military Order of Christ . The couple had two sons named Paulo and Vasco .

Estevão da Gama was chosen for an expedition to explore the sea routes to Asia and to outsmart the Arabs who had a monopoly on trade with India and other Asian nations. Since he died in July 1497, the supreme command of the ships was given to his son Vasco. However, it is also believed that the mission's order was offered to Vasco's brother, Paulo, but he returned without success.

A son of Vasco da Gama, Estêvão da Gama , was named after his grandfather and was also the Portuguese governor of India (1540–1542).

personal data
SURNAME	Gama, Estêvão da
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	Portuguese nobleman
DATE OF BIRTH	around 1430
DATE OF DEATH	July 1497