The era of Great geographical discoveries falls in the middle of the 15th - 17th centuries. During this period it was discovered many new lands. In 1466-1472 years Russian merchant Athanasius Nikitin paved the way to India. In 1492 Columbus discovered America. In 1497-1499 years of Portuguese Navigator Vasco da Gama led an expedition to South Africa. Amerigo Vespucci in 1499-1502, he visited the coast of South America. In 1519-1522, the Spaniard Ferdinand Magellan made the first voyage around the world.
