Career, biography and origin of Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus was born on October 31, 1451.

Christopher Columbus became famous for his leading role in the maritime discoveries of the New World. Born in Genoa, Italy, around 1451, he was an avid navigator and explorer. Convinced that the Indies could be reached by sailing west rather than using the traditional east route, Columbus sought the support of European monarchs to finance his expedition. 

After many unsuccessful attempts, he managed to obtain the support of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, and set off on his first voyage in 1492. After more than two months at sea, Columbus reached finally the Caribbean, believing to have reached the Indies. These voyages changed the course of history by paving the way for the exploration and colonization of America. Columbus thus gained international fame as a discoverer and pioneer, and his name became synonymous with courage and vision.

Christopher Columbus, the famous 15th-century Italian navigator and explorer, changed the course of history by opening new sea routes and discovering a new world. Born in 1451 in Genoa, Columbus developed a passion for the sea and navigation from a young age. Convinced that the Earth was round and looking for a shorter way to reach India, he embarked on a series of daring journeys with the goal of finding a direct route to Asia. 

On October 12, 1492, after several months of crossing, he set foot on a Caribbean island, which he named San Salvador, realizing that he had discovered a new continent. This chance meeting between Europe and America opened an era of globalization, the beginning of a colonial era and enabled exchanges between continents that profoundly transformed modern society. Although Columbus was hailed in Europe as a great explorer, his voyages also had serious consequences for the indigenous civilizations of America, marked by colonization and oppression. Thus, the historical legacy of Christopher Columbus today gives rise to numerous debates and questions, but his impact on the world is undeniable.

Christopher Columbus, famous Italian navigator and explorer of the 15th century, was born in 1451 in Genoa, Italy. His parents, Domenico Colombo, a fabric manufacturer, and Susanna Fontanarossa, were members of the local bourgeoisie. Christopher Columbus comes from a family of three brothers and a sister. His sister, Bianchinetta, remained in Italy while the three brothers, Bartolomeo, Diego and Christophe, all devoted themselves to maritime adventures. The genealogy of Christopher Columbus goes back several generations. 

His father, Domenico Colombo, was the son of Giovanni Colombo and Giovanna Cervetto. On his mother’s side, his mother Susanna Fontanarossa was the daughter of Giacomo Fontanarossa and Susanna Morisso. The Columbus family originated in Savona, a small Italian coastal town, where they prospered as fabric merchants. Christopher Columbus inherited his family’s business skills and first sailed when he was around 17 years old. He quickly developed a passion for navigation and exploration, and his thirst for adventure would lead him to make his famous voyages to the Americas in the name of the Spanish crown. His discovery of the New World paved the way for European exploration and colonization of America and forever changed the course of history.