Ok in that generation of time the people in Europe thought that the earth was flat, that England was the only country, and that the sun went around the Earth and we were the center of the solar system. But many of the great explorers we know today didn't believe what people told them on this topic. So people like Christoper Columbus traveled to find India for easier trade winds and more supply, but he found America.
Fun fact: that's why the Indians are called Indians even though they live in America.
I hope this answers your question.
