John Cabot: Italian navigator and explorer, known for his 1497 voyage to North America.
Born as Giovanni Caboto around 1450 in Genoa, Italy.
Died circa 1499.
His explorations laid groundwork for British claims to Canada.
Early Life and Career
Moved to Venice in 1461, became a citizen in 1476.
Worked for a Venetian mercantile firm, traveled extensively in the Mediterranean and to Mecca.
Skilled in navigational techniques.
Move to England and Exploration
By the mid-1490s, Cabot had moved to England, settling in Bristol by 1495.
On March 5, 1496, received letters patent from King Henry VII of England to explore and find new lands.
The Voyages
First Expedition (1496)
Attempted a voyage but had to return due to weather, food shortages, and crew disputes.
Second Expedition (1497)
Set sail in May 1497 from Bristol on the ship Matthew with 18 men.
Made landfall on June 24, 1497, possibly at Labrador, Newfoundland, or Cape Breton Island.
Believed he had reached the northeast coast of Asia.
Returned to England on August 6, 1497.
Claimed the land for the English king, noted abundant fish, and a temperate climate.
Third Voyage (1498)
Authorized a second expedition in 1498.
Likely consisted of five ships and about 200 men.
One ship damaged by a storm sought refuge in Ireland.
The fate of the rest of the fleet, including Cabot, is unknown.
Legacy and Impact
Demonstrated the viability of a short route across the North Atlantic.
His voyages were instrumental in the later establishment of British colonies in North America.
Additional Resources
For more information, refer to various Britannica articles and external resources such as the Canadian Nautical Research Society, CBC, World History Encyclopedia, and others.