-Christopher Columbus, born in Genoa, Italy in 1451, was a navigator, explorer, and colonizer whose voyages across the Atlantic Ocean in the late 15th century marked the beginning of European exploration and colonization of the Americas. Sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Columbus set sail in 1492, aiming to find a westward route to Asia but instead stumbled upon the islands of the Caribbean.
Despite the initial misconception that he had reached Asia, Columbus's voyages opened up a new era of transatlantic exchange, leading to the eventual colonization and exploitation of the Americas by European powers. While celebrated for his navigational skills and ambition, Columbus's legacy is marred by his treatment of indigenous peoples and the enduring consequences of European colonization on Native American populations. His voyages remain a subject of historical debate, prompting discussions about exploration, conquest, and the impact of colonialism.