Learn about the 16th-century Italian explorer who challenged the belief that Columbus had reached Asia and named the New World. Discover his early life, his voyages, his observations and his role in cartography and navigation.

Amerigo Vespucci (born 1454?, Florence, Italy—died 1512, Sevilla, Spain) was a merchant and explorer-navigator who took part in early voyages to the New World (1499–1500 and 1501–02) and occupied the influential post of piloto mayor (“master navigator”) in Sevilla (1508–12).

Navigator and explorer Amerigo Vespucci, the third son in a cultured family, was born on March 9, 1451, (some scholars say 1454) in Florence, Italy. Although born in Italy, Vespucci...

Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci is best known for his namesake: the continents of North and South America. But why were these continents named after him, especially since his...

Learn about the Italian explorer who realized the land he was exploring was a separate continent and not part of Asia. Discover his voyages, discoveries, and how the continents of North and South America are named after him.

Amerigo Vespucci, (born 1454?, Florence—died 1512, Sevilla), Italian-born Spanish navigator and explorer of the New World. He entered the Medici family business and in 1491 was sent to Sevilla, where he helped outfit the ships for the expeditions of Christopher Columbus .

Amerigo Vespucci (March 9, 1454–February 22, 1512) was an Italian explorer and cartographer. In the early 16th century, he showed that the New World was not part of Asia but was, in fact, its own distinct area. The Americas take their name from the Latin form of "Amerigo."

A Florentine navigator and pilot major of Castile, Amerigo Vespucci (1454-1512), for whom America is named, is no longer accused of having conspired to supplant Columbus; but interpretation of documents concerning his career remains controversial.

Amerigo Vespucci (March 9, 1454 - February 22, 1512) was an Italian merchant, explorer, and cartographer. He played a senior role in two voyages which explored the east coast of South America between 1499 and 1502.