Juan de la Cosa: Pioneer of Americas Mapping and Columbus’ Navigator Juan de la Cosa (c. 1450 – 28 february 1510) stands as a singular figure in Renaissance cartography, credited with crafting the earliest European world map incorporating the territories discovered during Christopher Columbus' voyages to the Americas. More than just a craftsman of parchment and pigment, he was an instrumental participant in one of history’s defining expeditions—a testament to Basque seafaring prowess and intellectual curiosity that continues to fascinate historians today. Early Life and Maritime Beginnings…