Amerigo Vespucci
World Explorer
Life of Amerigo Vespucci
- Amerigo Vespucci is an Italian explorer born on March 9, 1451. He sailed on the behalf of Spain, from 1497-1499. Then sailed for Portugal from 1501-1504. Amerigo was a noble man of his time, he was well respected even by Christopher Columbus. Christopher is actually the person who introduced Vespucci to exploring. America was named after Amerigo by Martin Waldseemuller, a German map maker after Vespucci's death. Martin changed the ending of Amerigo to America because he wanted the country to end with an A.
Voyages
Vespucci was a greatly accomplished explorer despite his age. His main goal was to locate a star he believed was above the South Pole. His first voyage was on behalf of Spain, he had discovered Venezuela. On his second voyage he had sailed to modern day Guyana where he left his ship and explored Brazil's coastline. During this voyage it is believed that he discovered the Amazon River and Cape st. Augustine. His third Voyage was on the behalf of King Manuel of Portugal. Vespucci wanted to return to Brazil so King Manuel gave him permission not to gain wealth but to make discoveries. He never found the star above the South Pole but he did give map makes 3,300 miles to draw onto maps.