Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus (c. 1451–1506) was a Genoese navigator whose voyages across the Atlantic under the Spanish crown began lasting European contact with the Americas. After years seeking support for a westward route to Asia, he sailed in 1492 with the backing of Ferdinand and Isabella and reached the Bahamas, Cuba and Hispaniola. He made three further voyages, exploring the Caribbean and the coasts of South and Central America. As governor of Hispaniola he proved a harsh and unsuccessful administrator, was sent home in chains in 1500, and died in Spain still believing he had reached Asia.