John Cabot, born Giovanni Caboto in Genoa, Italy in 1455, was a merchant and sailor who received funding from England's King to explore potential trade routes to Asia by sailing west. On his first voyage in 1497, Cabot discovered Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, becoming the first European since the Vikings to explore North America north of Florida. Though he made a second voyage in 1498, Cabot died in England in 1499, with the cause of his death unknown.

1. Profile of John Cabot

2. Early years(interests, places visited, etc)Lived near seaport city of Genoa Saw trading of spices, silk, special stones, and metals from England He became a merchant and sailor

3. Contributions and/or AchievementsFound two very large islands on his voyageThose were Newfoundland and Nova ScotiaMade a second voyage in 1498 Most of Cabot’s voyages do not include any information about encounters with native Americans in Newfoundland or Nova Scotia

4. miscellaneous/or other interesting facts Real name was Giovanni Caboto

5. Born in Genoa Italy in 1455

6. Became a merchant and expert mariner or sailor