Columbus, Christopher, 1451-1506
Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator. His four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean and contact with the Americas, between 1492-1502, served as an impetus for large-scale European exploration and colonization of the New World. A seafarer since his youth and an opportunistic merchant as an adult, he was interested in discovering a western passage to the East Indies. Following appeals to European leaders, his venture to find a new trading route was eventually financed by King Ferdinand II of Aragon (1452-1516) and Queen Isabella of Castille (1451-1504). He was the first Governor of the Indies, yet was removed due to accusations of brutality. His final years were marked by disagreements with the Crown of Castile and colonial governors as well as by legal battles over financial compensation for his ventures.
- HMML ID
- 818001467637
- PURL
- LC name
- Columbus, Christopher
- HMML name
- Columbus, Christopher, 1451-1506
- Library of Congress
- VIAF
- Getty
Variants
- Christofer Columbus
- Christoffel Columbus
- Christoffel Kolumbus
- Christoforus Columbus
- Christoph Columbus
- Christoph Kolumbus
- Christophe Colomb
- Christopher Columbus
- Christophorus Colom
- Colom
Name elements
- Given names
- Christopher
- Family names
- Columbus
Personal information
- Birth date
- 1451-10-31
- Death date
- 1506-05-20
- Centuries
- 15th century CE ● 16th century CE
- Gender
- Males
- Associated countries
- Associated places
- Occupations
- Fields of activity
- Honorary titles
- Governor of the Indies
- Languages
Preferred citation
Change notes
- Date added
- 2022-10-12
- Last edited
- 2023-02-01