Amerigo Vespucci

Lore & Background

Vespucci claimed to have understood in 1501 that Brazil was part of a fourth continent, which he called the 'New World.' This claim inspired cartographer Martin Waldseemüller in 1507 to apply the Latinized form 'America' to a map showing the New World, and other cartographers followed. In 1505, Vespucci was made a subject of Castile by royal decree, and in 1508 he was appointed piloto mayor (master navigator) for Spain's Casa de Contratación in Seville, a post he held until his death in 1512.

Reader's Guide

Amerigo Vespucci's significance lies primarily in the naming of the Americas after him, a result of his claim that Brazil was part of a previously unknown fourth continent, which he called the 'New World.' This claim was publicized through booklets published under his name in 1503 and 1505, which were extremely popular across Europe. Although historians dispute the authorship and accuracy of these accounts, they were instrumental in raising awareness of the discoveries and enhancing Vespucci's reputation. Cartographer Martin Waldseemüller recognized Vespucci's accomplishments in 1507 by applying 'America' to a map, and other cartographers followed, securing the tradition. Vespucci's later career included serving as piloto mayor for Spain's Casa de Contratación in Seville from 1508 until his death. The historical record of his voyages is based almost entirely on a handful of letters, leading to ongoing scholarly debate about the number, routes, and veracity of his expeditions.

Did You Know?

• Vespucci was born on 9 March 1454 in Florence, a wealthy Italian city-state and center of Renaissance art and learning.
• He claimed in 1501 that Brazil was part of a fourth continent unknown to Europeans, which he called the 'New World' (Mundus Novus).
• Cartographer Martin Waldseemüller applied the Latinized form 'America' to a map in 1507, inspiring other cartographers to follow.
• In 1508, Vespucci was appointed piloto mayor (master navigator) for Spain's Casa de Contratación in Seville, a post he held until his death in 1512.