Amerigo Vespucci

Definition

An Italian explorer and navigator in the late 15th to early 16th century who is best known for his voyages to the New World, which led to the use of his name for the continents of North and South America.

Analogy

Think of Amerigo Vespucci as a celebrity chef. Just like a chef might get a dish named after them because they created or popularized it, Vespucci got two whole continents named after him because he helped popularize their existence in Europe!

Related terms

Exploration Age: The period from the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th century during which Europeans engaged in intensive exploration of the world, establishing direct contacts with Africa, Americas, Asia and Oceania.

New World: A term referring to those parts of Earth's western hemisphere that were unknown to Europeans before Columbus' voyages; includes North and South America.

Cartography: The study and practice of making maps. It was crucial during this era as explorers like Vespucci charted new territories.