Giovanni da Verrazzano was born in 1485 in Val di Greve, near Florence, Italy. Giovanni was educated in cartography, navigation, astronomy, mathematics, and seamanship. Francis the first of France grew concerned because France was falling behind in the expedition of the West. In 1523 King Francis the first commissioned Giovanni da Verrazzano to explore the coast of the new world from Newfoundland to Florida for the purpose of finding a trade route via ship to the Pacific Ocean. After agreeing to lead the expedition, Giovanni left with 4 ships. The 4 ships were called Normanda, Santa Maria, Vittoria, and Delfina. Delfina was Giovanni’s ship and it was named in honor of the King’s daughter. The ships Vittoria and Santa Maria were damaged in a
