Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus was an explorer and sailor, who played a vital role in discovering the New World. Here take a brief look at his life and achievements.

Christopher Columbus was born in the Liguria region of Italy in 1451. Very few records exist from this time, if indeed, they existed in the first place, so his exact date and place of birth are not known, although the majority of historians agree that his birthplace was Genoa. His parents owned a weaving business, but Columbus was drawn to adventure, going to sea for the first time at the age of 14.

Columbus travelled widely throughout the Mediterranean, and in 1476, joined a Genoese fleet which was heading to Britain for trades. When they reached the Atlantic, the ships were attacked by pirates, however, Columbus survived by swimming 10km back to the Portuguese coast. He stayed in Portugal for several years, marrying Felipa Perestrello e Moniz, who gave him access to important charts of Atlantic-Portuguese waters.

Trading with Asian nations had been taking place since the early 1200s, but the growing Ottoman Empire had closed the main commercial routes. Columbus came up with the suggestion that instead of travelling East to get to China and Japan, they should sail West, across the Atlantic. Columbus presented his idea to Portuguese royalty, who although enthusiastic at first, declined to provide funding. It was not until Columbus approached King Ferdinand and Queen Isabelle of Spain that he got the go ahead. The Spanish monarchy were eager to increase Spain’s power and allowed Columbus to plan his first mission.

On August 3 1492, Christopher Columbus and his crew began their journey across the Atlantic, not knowing what dangers they would face as they crossed the ocean, nor what they would find on the other side. After 36 days at sea, the fleet discovered land, and Columbus stepped ashore on an island which he named San Salvador. Claiming the land for Spain, Columbus believed that the island was part of India, and began making trades with local peoples, who were generally friendly and welcoming.

Columbus returned to Spain on 15 March 1493, and was to launch three further voyages across the Atlantic. Later journeys were concerned not only with discovery but also colonisation, and as such the ships carried people and supplies. Sadly, Columbus’ final journeys were plagued with problems including his mistreatment of native people, which saw him lose his titles.

Columbus began to suffer from health problems and in 1505, settled in the city of Valledolid, where he stayed until his death in 1506. Columbus is one figure of history who is certain not to be forgotten, his voyages being some of the most significant in developing Europe’s understanding of the wider world.