Amerigo Vespucci

Amerigo Vespucci (1451-1512) was a Venetian explorer, whose name is believed to be the origin of the term America.

He moved to Seville and was responsible for the provisions of one, possibly two, of the voyages of Christopher Columbus. In 1499 he organised and took part in his own expedition. Being neither a navigator or pilot himself, he gave the command to Alonso de Hojeda. However, he himself explored the coast of what is now Venezuela.

In recognition of his discoveries, he was made a Spanish citizen in 1505 and pilot-major of Spain in 1508.