first sailed near the mainland of America in 1497. The accounts of his explorations were widely distributed, including his acknowledgement that an unknown continent had been discovered.

Amerigo Vespucci.

Explanation:

Amerigo Vespucci was an explorer, merchant and navigator from Italy. He is popularly known for his voyages during the Age of Discovery that he made first on behalf of Spain and then for Portugal in 1497 and 1504 respectively. The booklets published under his name were widely read by the people of Europe. He was instrumental in spreading awareness of the new discoveries.