In the late 1490s and early 1500s, Amerigo Vespucci would make two (or perhaps four) voyages of exploration to the New World. But Vespucci’s voyages have been rife with controversy for more than 500 years. How many voyages did he really go on? And what was his actual role? And how did he get his name attached to two continents.
Episodes
Amerigo Vespucci – Part 1
In part 1 of 2, we take a look at the early years of Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, including his younger years in Florence. We then explain how he got into the business of exploration, and examine the first two voyages attributed to the man.
Download this episode or listen online.
Amerigo Vespucci – Part 2
In the second – and final – part of our series on Florentine explorer Amerigo Vespucci, we look at his third voyage, touch on his ‘fourth’ voyage, and then discuss his legacy – including how his name became attached to two continents.
Download this episode or listen online.
Resources
Amerigo: The Man Who Gave His Name to America, by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto
The Letters of Amerigo Vespucci: Documents of his Discoveries, Exploration and Mapping of the New World and South Americas, by Amerigo Vespucci and Clements R Markham
Explorers Podcast 