Christopher

Columbus

1451 — 1506

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator who embarked on a series of voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain. In 1492, Columbus sailed westward from Europe in search of a new trade route to Asia, but instead, he encountered the islands of the Caribbean, which he mistakenly believed to be part of the East Indies. This journey marked the beginning of the European exploration and colonisation of the Americas.

Columbus made a total of four voyages to the “New World” between 1492 and 1504, exploring various islands in the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America. Despite his initial misconception, his voyages had profound historical significance, leading to the widespread exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Europe and the Americas.

Columbus' expeditions, initiated a new era of transatlantic exploration and colonisation, laying the foundation for the eventual establishment of European empires in the Americas.