Columbus (Christopher Columbus)

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer funded by Spain who, in 1492, embarked on a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. His goal was to find a westward route to Asia, but instead, he encountered the Americas, landing in the Caribbean. His voyages marked the beginning of sustained European contact with the New World, leading to widespread exploration and eventual colonization. Columbus's journey significantly impacted global history, culture, and economies, though it also brought devastating consequences to Indigenous peoples. His legacy is complex, viewed as both a daring explorer and a figure associated with colonialism and its aftermath.