Amerigo Vespucci reportedly began the first of his voyages to the New World around this time, explorations whose published accounts led a mapmaker to name a continent after him.

Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama departed Lisbon with four ships, seeking a sea route to India around Africa.

Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama set sail from Lisbon with four ships, seeking a sea route to India around Africa's southern tip.