Christopher Columbus (l. 1451-1506 CE, also known as Cristoffa Corombo in Ligurian and Cristoforo Colombo in Italian) was a Genoese explorer (identified as Italian) who became famous in his own time as the man who discovered the New World and, since the 19th century CE, is credited with the discovery of North America, specifically the region comprising the United States.
More about: Christopher ColumbusDefinition
Timeline
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1451 - 1506Life of the Genoese explorer Christopher Columbus.
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1460The Santa Maria is launched in Pontevedra in Galicia, northern Spain. It will be Christopher Columbus' flagship when he sails to the Americas in 1492.
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1492 - 1493First Voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World in three ships in an attempt to establish maritime trade routes to the East.
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1493 - 1496Second Voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World in 17 ships to colonize the region.
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1498 - 1500Third Voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World to find a passage to the East; South and Central America are identified.
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1502 - 1504Fourth Voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World; Spanish colonies now operating fully without him, systemic exploitation of indigenous people has become policy.
