What were the major discoveries and achievements of Italian explorers during this period?

What were the major discoveries and achievements of Italian explorers during this period?

During the Age of Exploration, Italian explorers made several major discoveries and achievements. Some of these include:

1. Christopher Columbus: Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, is credited with discovering the Americas in 1492. His voyages opened up new trade routes and led to the eventual colonization of the Americas by European powers.

2. Amerigo Vespucci: Vespucci, another Italian explorer, is known for his voyages to the New World. He realized that the lands discovered by Columbus were not part of Asia, but a new continent. This realization led to the naming of the continent as "America" in his honor.

3. John Cabot: Cabot, an Italian explorer sailing for England, is known for his exploration of North America. In 1497, he reached Newfoundland, becoming the first European since the Vikings to set foot on North American soil.

4. Marco Polo: Although not strictly an explorer of the Age of Exploration, Marco Polo's travels to Asia in the 13th century greatly influenced subsequent explorers. His detailed accounts of his journey along the Silk Road sparked interest in trade and exploration with the East.

These Italian explorers played a significant role in expanding geographical knowledge, opening up new trade routes, and paving the way for European colonization of the Americas.