Difference between Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci
If it were not for explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci, historic discoveries of new lands and continents may not have been made around the world. Can you imagine all of the earth's inhabitants staying in one continent or location with all humanity living in closed societies? Aside from that, the discovery of different races and the sharing and exchanging of beliefs and culture are some of the greatest contributions made as result of the popularization of the finding of these explorers; not to mention the coining of barter trading. Even if most of the time these people are branded as conquerors, their contribution to the history of mankind and of the world cannot be measured.
Biography
Historians believe that the explorer Christopher Columbus was born in 1451 between 25th of August to the 31st of October. He hailed from Genoa, which still prospers in modern day Italy. Born of his father Domenico Colombo, who worked as a wool weaver of the middle class and also had a cheese stand in Savona and Genoa where young Christopher helped, and his mother Susanna Fontanatossa. His siblings were Giacomo, Giovanni Pellegrino and Bartolomeo. Amerigo Vespucci, born in Florence in March 9, 1454 was a cartographer, navigator and explorer. A lot of people believe that the continent of America obtained its name from the female version of Amerigo's name.
Early Life
Christopher Columbus worked as a business agent for the high class families Spinola, Negro and Centurione of Genoa. In May 1476, he helped an armed convoy that was sent by Genoa to carry to Europe a valuable shipment of goods. While continuing as a business agent for the Centurione family, he made contact with his brother in Lisbon in 1479. This was also the time he was married to the daughter (Filipa Moniz Perestrello) of the Porto Santo governor and Portuguese nobleman, Bartolomeu Perestrello who is also from Genoa. After a year of marriage, his wife gave birth to Diego Columbus, his only son. In 1487, Christopher had a mistress named Beatriz Enriquez de Arana, a 20-year old orphan. Amerigo Vespucci was born in a small village named Monterfioralle where he was raised by his uncle. In his early life, he worked at the Agency of Medici Bank in Spain.
Voyages
Christopher Columbus had four voyages; his first voyage led him to the island of San Salvador which is now known as the Bahamas. After this, he went next to discover Cuba and Hispaniola. After he visited this place, he encountered a storm and he was forced to anchor on Lisbon, and finally to the harbor of Palos. Amerigo Vespucci on the other hand also had four voyages which led him to different continents like the New World, Guyana, Brazil and South America.
Summary
- Christopher Columbus was said to be the first man to explore the new world.
- Amerigo Vespucci was said to be imitating or overcoming the voyages and triumphs of Christopher Columbus.
- The name America was believed to be derived from a female version of the name of Amerigo Vespucci.
- Both explorers are Spanish and they are not competing with each other in any way.
