Presentation

The Cabots and the Americas

University of Milan
Room M 101
Via Santa Sofia, 9
Milan

April 9, 2025, 4:30 p.m.

Remote access on Teams platform

Poster

The presentation of the two monographs by Antonio Violante is intended to draw attention to Giovanni Caboto and his son Sebastiano, fundamental figures in the history of exploration, although still enigmatic and little known to non-specialists, particularly in Italy.

The former set sail from Bristol in 1497 and reached the coast of North America; the following year he undertook a second voyage with an entire fleet, which literally disappeared into thin air. His son Sebastian, a favourite of generations of English and Spanish rulers, was the only explorer to have attempted all three of the canonical passages to Asia: north-west, south-west and, through an intermediary, north-east. He entered the heart of South America by river in a disastrous expedition, during which he made many enemies and from which numerous trials against him resulted. He had a reputation as a great expert in innovative navigation techniques.

PROGRAMME

INTRODUCES
Andrea Gamberini
University of Milan
Department of Historical Studies “Federico Chabod”

COORDINATES
Patrizia Spinato
CNR-ISMed

RELATORS
Maria Matilde Benzoni
University of Milan

Elio Franzini
University of Milan

Mario Moiraghi
Polytechnic of Milan

FINAL DISCUSSION WITH THE AUTHOR
Antonio Violante
University of Milan

ORGANISED BY
CNR-ISMed and Department of Historical Studies “Federico Chabod”, University of Milan

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
Patrizia Spinato, Alessandra Cioppi (CNR-ISMed), Antonio Violante (University of Milan)

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
The event is open to the public, subject to availability of places

INFO AND CONTACTS
Emilia del Giudice and Martina Mattiazzi (CNR ISMed)
emilia.delgiudice@ismed.cnr.it
martina.mattiazzi@ismed.cnr.it
https://www.ismed.cnr.it