Christopher columbus
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus (/kəˈlʌmbəs/; Italian: Cristoforo Colombo; Spanish: Cristóbal Colón; before 31 October 1451 – 20 May 1506) was an Italian explorer and navigator who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for widespread European exploration and the eventual conquest of the Americas.
Etymology
The name Christopher Columbus is the Anglicisation of the Latin Christophorus Columbus. His name in Italian is Cristoforo Colombo, and in Spanish, it is Cristóbal Colón.
Early Life
Columbus was born before 31 October 1451 in the territory of the Republic of Genoa (now part of modern Italy), though the exact location remains disputed. His father was Domenico Colombo, a middle-class wool weaver who worked both in Genoa and Savona and who also owned a cheese stand at which young Christopher worked as a helper.
Voyages
Columbus's voyages across the Atlantic Ocean began a period of European exploration and conquest of the Americas. His expeditions, sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, were the first European contact with the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
Legacy
The legacy of Christopher Columbus is a controversial and debated topic. While he is often credited with discovering America, many argue that the continent was already inhabited by indigenous peoples. His voyages led to the first lasting European contact with the Americas, inaugurating a period of exploration, conquest, and colonization that lasted for centuries.
Related Terms
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