Columbus

• Christopher Columbus


  Italian explorer and navigator, born in Genoa, Italy
• Christopher Columbus lived


  1451-1506
• Christopher Columbus's four transatlantic voyages

  1. 1492 to 1504

  2. Opened the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas
• Christopher Columbus's time in Portugal


  • Gained valuable knowledge and experience in navigation and cartography
  • Failed to secure support for his westward voyage from King John II of Portugal
• "Enterprise of the Indies"


  Term used to describe Columbus's ambitious project
• Christopher Columbus's plan


  • Sail from Europe to Japan
  • Part of his broader goal to find a westward route to Asia, which he referred to as his plan to reach "the Indies"
• Items Columbus required for his voyage

  • Ships
  • Crew
  • Food & Provisions
  • Navigational Tools
  • Sailing equipment – sails, ropes, anchors and repair tools
  • Medical supplies
  • Trade goods
  • Personal items
• Columbus crew members


  • First voyage: Relatively small crew of about 90 men
  • Second voyage: Crew size increased, with approximately 1,200 men accompanying Columbus
  • Second voyage: Involved exploring new territories such as Puerto Rico and Jamaica
• Columbus's sponsors


  Spanish monarchs, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella