Vitus Bering

Explorer

Birthday August 5, 1661

Birth Sign Leo

Birthplace Horsens, Denmark

DEATH DATE Dec 8, 1741 (80)

#139,838 Most Popular

About

The explorer of the northernmost region between Russia and North America who named the strait the separates the two continents.

Before Fame

Tzar Peter I of Russia appointed him to determine if there was a land bridge connecting Asia to North America.

Trivia

His first voyage was inconclusive, and so a second one was scheduled though much bigger in scope, which would ultimately lead to his demise.

Family Life

He was born into an affluent family, but instead of following his brothers to college he joined the navy.

Associated With

The explorer James Cook named the Bering Strait after Vitus, knowing that he discovered it first.

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