Ziegler, Alexander
"Martin Behaim aus Nürnberg. Der geistige Entdecker Amerika's" by Alexander Ziegler is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book explores the life and contributions of Martin Behaim, a significant figure in the realm of early exploration and navigation, emphasizing his role in the discovery of America. It seeks to establish Behaim's importance alongside contemporaries like Christopher Columbus and debates the recognition of his contributions to geographical knowledge during the age of discovery. The narrative delves into Behaim's life, detailing his birth in Nuremberg around 1459, his education under the renowned mathematician Johann Regiomontanus, and his travels throughout Europe and Africa. The text highlights notable achievements such as the creation of one of the earliest globes and his involvement in Portuguese expeditions, which are posited to have influenced Columbus's plans to sail westward. Ziegler argues that Behaim's expertise in navigation and cosmography significantly impacted the understanding of geography at his time, asserting that he played a vital role in the early exploration of the New World. Through a detailed examination of historical sources, Ziegler aspires to restore Behaim’s reputation as a key figure in the discovery of America. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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