Vasco da Gama’s Late Recognition: The First Count of Vidigueira (1519)

After two decades of political sidelining, Vasco da Gama had spent much of his post-exploration life living quietly in Portugal, married and raising a family, largely ignored by King Manuel I despite his historic achievements in opening the sea route to India.

However, by 1518, with Portugal’s growing rivalry with Spain and the defection of Ferdinand Magellan to the Crown of Castile, da Gama’s threat to follow suit forced Manuel to reconsider his neglect of Portugal’s most famous explorer.

Da Gama’s Political Struggles and Sidelining from Indian Affairs

• Since his return from India in 1503, da Gama had been excluded from further Indian expeditions.
• King Manuel I favored other figures, including:
  • Francisco de Almeida, the first Viceroy of India (1505–1509).
  • Afonso de Albuquerque, the architect of Portuguese imperial expansion in the East (1509–1515).
  • Lopo Soares de Albergaria and Diogo Lopes de Sequeira, later commanders in India.
• In 1507, da Gama switched from the Order of Santiago to the Order of Christ, hoping to gain favor with the king, but with little result.

The Magellan Crisis and Manuel’s Fear of Losing Da Gama to Spain (1518)

• In 1518, Ferdinand Magellan defected to Castile, securing Spanish backing for his voyage to circumnavigate the globe.
• When da Gama threatened to do the same, King Manuel I took immediate action to retain his most prestigious admiral.
• Manuel feared the humiliation of losing da Gama to Spain, especially since the Portuguese Crown had already overlooked him for years.

Da Gama Becomes the First Count of Vidigueira (December 29, 1519)

• In Évora, on December 29, 1519, Manuel I granted Vasco da Gama the feudal title of Count of Vidigueira.
• This was a historic appointment, as da Gama became the first Portuguese count not born of royal blood.
• The title was made possible through a complex deal with Dom Jaime, Duke of Braganza, who ceded Vidigueira and Vila dos Frades to da Gama in exchange for payment.
• The decree granted da Gama and his heirs all the revenues and privileges of the countship, making him a true nobleman in the Portuguese aristocracy.

Significance of Da Gama’s Late Recognition

1. A Political Redemption

   • After years of neglect, da Gama was finally recognized for his role in Portugal’s maritime expansion.

2. The First Non-Royal Portuguese Count

   • His title set a precedent, proving that service to the Crown could be rewarded with nobility.

3. Strengthening His Ties to Portugal

   • The grant of land and privileges ensured that da Gama would remain loyal to Portugal, preventing him from following Magellan’s path to Spain.

Conclusion: Da Gama’s Rehabilitation in Portuguese Politics

The creation of the Count of Vidigueira in 1519 marked Vasco da Gama’s return to royal favor, securing his status as a noble and preventing his defection to Spain. Though belated, it was a recognition of his historic contributions, setting the stage for his eventual return to India as Viceroy in 1524, cementing his lasting legacy in Portuguese history.