Vasco, however, by his firm behaviour, managed to evade the machinations of his trade rivals, and induced the Zamorin to regard favourably an alliance with the Portuguese king.
Contenting himself with this result, he embarked again, and after visiting Melinda, the only friendly spot he had found on the east coast of Africa, he returned to Lisbon in September 1499, having spent no less than two years on the voyage.

King Emmanuel received him with great favour, and appointed him Admiral of the Indies.
The significance of Vasco da Gama's voyage was at once seen by the persons whose trade monopoly it threatened--the Venetians, and the Sultan of Egypt.

Priuli, the Venetian chronicler, reports: "When this news reached Venice the whole city felt it greatly, and remained stupefied, and the wisest held it as the worst news that had ever arrived"-- as indeed they might, for it prophesied the downfall of the Venetian Empire.

The Sultan of Egypt was equally moved, for the greatest source of his riches was derived from the duty of five per cent.

which he levied on all merchandise entering his dominions, and ten per cent.