Cristoforo Colombo

Born:

Between August 26 and October 31, 1451, Genoa (presumably)

Died:

May 20, 1506, Valladolid, Spain

Nationality:

Genoese (Italian)

Profession(s):

Navigator, Explorer, Colonizer

Early Life and Education

• Early life details are partially unknown, but likely involved work on ships.
• Learned cartography and navigation through self-study and practical experience.
• Traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

Career and Major Achievements

• Convinced the Spanish monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, to finance a westward voyage to find a new route to the Indies.
• Led four transatlantic voyages:
  1. 1492-1493: Landed in the Bahamas (San Salvador) and explored Cuba and Hispaniola.
  2. 1493-1496: Explored more of the Caribbean, including Jamaica.
  3. 1498-1500: Reached the South American mainland (present-day Venezuela).
  4. 1502-1504: Explored the coast of Central America.
• Initiated European colonization of the Americas.
• Served briefly as Governor of Hispaniola.

Notable Works

• Journal of the First Voyage (Diario de a bordo)
• Letter to Luis de Santángel regarding the first voyage
• Book of Privileges (Collection of royal decrees and documents related to Columbus's voyages and privileges)

Legacy and Impact

Cristoforo Colombo, whose voyages launched what would become known as the christopher columbus explorer project, dramatically altered global trade and interactions. While the christopher columbus explorer project resulted in increased awareness of the continents of the Americas and facilitated global exchange, his actions also initiated a period of colonization, exploitation, and devastating impact on Indigenous populations.

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