John Kelly @mashedradish.bsky.social · 11/01/2026Due to the impact of Vespucci’s voyages, German mapmakers in the early 1500s named the newly 'discovered' land mass 'America' in his honor. In keeping with conventions of the day, 'Amerigo' was adapted into the Latin 'America.' 120
John Kelly @mashedradish.bsky.social · 11/01/2026'America' first referred to what we now call South America. It was soon after extended to North America, too, as notably evidenced by Gerardus Mercator in his famed 1538 world map (featured). 120
John Kelly @mashedradish.bsky.social · 11/01/2026The Italian name 'Amerigo' is actually Germanic in origin, probably related to 'Henry,' which literally—and ironically, in its way—means 'home ruler.' 050
