Christopher Columbus
- Born:
- Between August 25 and October 31, 1451, Genoa, Republic of Genoa [now Italy]
- Died:
- May 20, 1506, Valladolid, Crown of Castile [now Spain]
- Nationality:
- Genoese (Italian)
- Profession(s):
- Navigator, Colonizer, Explorer
Early Life and Education
- His father was a wool weaver.
- Little is definitively known about his early education, but he likely had training in cartography, astronomy, and navigation.
- Began sailing at a young age.
Career and Major Achievements
- Sailed on various trade expeditions throughout the Mediterranean and possibly further north.
- Developed a plan to reach the East Indies by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean.
- Secured funding from Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II of Spain for his voyage.
- In 1492, he made landfall in the Americas, believing he had reached the East Indies. This marked a significant moment in European history and the Age of Exploration.
- Led four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, exploring parts of the Caribbean and the coast of South America.
Notable Works
- Journals and Letters: Accounts of his voyages, including descriptions of the lands and peoples he encountered.
- The Book of Prophecies (a collection of biblical texts and prophecies related to his voyages.)
Legacy and Impact
Christopher Columbus's voyages initiated sustained contact between Europe and the Americas, leading to the Columbian Exchange. While his explorations opened new opportunities for European expansion, they also had devastating consequences for the indigenous populations of the Americas, leading to colonization, disease, and enslavement. The historical debate surrounding his legacy continues to this day, and the work, "subhajit saha biography of christopher columbus" attempts to contextualize his life for a modern audience.