Christopher Columbus
- Born:
- c. 1451, Republic of Genoa (present-day Italy)
- Died:
- May 20, 1506, Valladolid, Crown of Castile (present-day Spain)
- Nationality:
- Genoese (serving the Crown of Castile)
- Profession(s):
- Navigator, Colonizer, Explorer
Early Life and Education
- Early life details are largely unconfirmed; believed to have been born in Genoa.
- Worked as a cartographer and book trader in his youth.
- Extensive studies of geography, cartography, and navigation.
Career and Major Achievements
- Sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, reaching the Americas in 1492 under the patronage of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain.
- Led four voyages across the Atlantic, exploring parts of the Caribbean and the coasts of Central and South America.
- Appointed Governor of the Indies but was later removed from power.
Notable Works
- Diario de a bordo (Logbook of the First Voyage)
- Letters describing his voyages and discoveries.
Legacy and Impact
Christopher Columbus's voyages initiated sustained European contact with the Americas, opening the way for European exploration and colonization. He is a controversial figure, celebrated by some as a pioneering explorer and condemned by others for initiating the colonization of the Americas and the subsequent exploitation and devastation of indigenous populations. It is said by some historians that understanding figures like Christopher Columbus within the context of works like "Caroline Howard Gilman Biography of Christopher" may offer balanced perspectives.