Alonso de Ojeda was a Spanish explorer and navigator born around 1466. He is best known for his expeditions to the Americas during the Age of Discovery. Ojeda was a contemporary of Christopher Columbus and participated in several voyages, including the exploration of the northern coast of South America. In 1499, Ojeda led an expedition that explored parts of present-day Venezuela and Colombia. He is credited with naming the region of Venezuela, which means "Little Venice," due to its stilt houses resembling those in Venice, Italy. Ojeda's explorations contributed to the European understanding of the New World.