He was born in Italy around 1450.

Since the time of the Vikings, John Cabot is said to have been the first European to visit North America and is an Italian adventurer and navigator. The first known European trip to the North American coast since the Norse visit to Vinland in the fifth century was his 1497 journey, which was ordered by King Henry VII of England eleven. Both the Canadian and British governments chose Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland, to symbolize the location of Cabot's initial landing on the occasion of the expedition's 500th anniversary. Alternative sites, though, have also been proposed.

It is unknown exactly when he was born. Funny enough, despite being born in Italy, John Cabot did not spend a lot of time there. He has relocated to several locations on earth, as you will learn later!

Actually, very little is known about Cabot's early life. He was most likely born in Italy around the year 1450, as is known. It is known that he acquired Venetian citizenship in 1476. He would later marry and have three sons. It is thought that his failure to pay his debts at home led him to decide to relocate when he was in his 40s, first to Spain and subsequently to England.