Cristoforo Colombo

Born:

Between August 25 and October 31, 1451, Genoa (Presumably), Republic of Genoa

Died:

May 20, 1506, Valladolid, Crown of Castile

Nationality:

Genoese (employed by the Crown of Castile)

Profession(s):

Navigator, Colonizer, Explorer

Early Life and Education

• Early life is largely undocumented, but believed to have been involved in seafaring from a young age.
• Likely learned cartography and navigation through practical experience.
• Spent time in Lisbon, Portugal, absorbing geographical knowledge and developing his theories.

Career and Major Achievements

• Convinced King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I of Spain to finance a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
• Led the first documented European expedition to the Americas in 1492.
• Established Spanish settlements in the Caribbean.
• Made four voyages to the Americas, exploring the Caribbean islands, the coasts of Central and South America.
• The 'christopher columbus explorer project', though not formally named as such, represents the series of voyages undertaken under his leadership, aimed at establishing a new trade route to the East Indies and resulting in the European discovery of the Americas.

Legacy and Impact

Christopher Columbus's voyages initiated the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas, transforming the geopolitical landscape and initiating the Columbian Exchange. His legacy is complex, encompassing both significant achievements and devastating consequences for the indigenous populations of the Americas.

Notable Works

• Journals of his voyages, providing firsthand accounts of his expeditions.
• Letters to European monarchs describing the lands he encountered.

Voyages

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