Columbus, Christopher

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer born in 1451 who is credited with initiating European awareness of the American continents. Sponsored by Spain, he made four voyages across the Atlantic between 1492 and 1504, aiming to find a westward route to Asia. Instead, he landed in the Caribbean, establishing early contact between Europeans and indigenous peoples. His expeditions opened the way for further exploration and colonization of the Americas, though they also led to significant suffering for native populations. Columbus remains a controversial figure, celebrated for his navigational achievements but also criticized for his role in European conquest and its consequences.