Indian Ocean trade Madagascar at this time leaving behind a lasting cultural and genetic legacy. Chinese fleets under Zheng He criscrossed the Indian Ocean during the early part of the 15th century. The missions were diplomatic rather than commercial, but many exchanges of gift and produces were made. The Portuguese under Vasco da Gama discovered a naval route to the Indian Ocean through the southern tip of Africa in 1497–98. Initially, the Portuguese were mainly active in Calicut, but the northern region of Gujarat was even more important for trade, and an essential intermediary in east-west trade. Venetian interests were directly threatened as
Portugal at the 2004 Summer Olympics 'A' Standard, and 1 at the 'B' Standard). Four Portuguese judoka (three men and one woman) qualified for the 2004 Summer Olympics. Portuguese sailors have qualified one boat for each of the following events. Two Portuguese shooters qualified to compete in the following events: Portuguese swimmers earned qualifying standards in the following events (up to a maximum of 2 swimmers in each event at the A-standard time, and 1 at the B-standard time): Portugal sent a single triathlete to Athens. Portugal at the 2004 Summer Olympics Portugal competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, from 13 to 29