Environment+and+Technology

__Vasco da Gama's Fleet__

In June of 1497, four ships set sail from Lisbon, Portugal. Lead by Vasco da Gama, the ships' destination was India. These fleets started a global revolution in the world of travel. Because of the long voyages and unpredictable weather, the ships needed to be made extra sturdy to withstand anything the sea would throw at them. The large vessels also carried barrels of water, wine, flour, oil, meat, vegetable, and ammunition. Three out of four of the ships had two square sails and one lateen for speed, while the other had all lateen sails. Carrying red crosses on the masts signified the ships' motives and intentions for voyage. The travelers of this expedition received extra pay for opening up new opportunities for profitable trade to Ethiopia and lower India.