Christopher Columbus - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | October 31, 1451 |
|---|---|
| Died | May 20, 1506 (age 54) |
| Birthplace | Genoa, Republic of Genoa (present-day Italy) |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Chinese Zodiac | Goat |
| Known For | Leading the first European expeditions that resulted in lasting contact between Europe and the Americas. |
Intro
Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator who completed four transatlantic voyages between 1492 and 1504 under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, which led to the opening of the Americas to European colonization and significant global historical changes.
Early Life & Background
Christopher Columbus was born in 1451 in Genoa, in what is now Italy. He was the son of a wool weaver and started working at sea at a young age. Little is known about his early formal education, but he gained experience in navigation and maritime trade during his youth.
Career Highlights
- Completed four major voyages across the Atlantic Ocean between 1492 and 1504.
- On his first voyage in 1492, he landed in the Bahamas, believing he had reached Asia.
- He claimed large areas of the Caribbean for Spain, including parts of modern-day Cuba and Hispaniola.
- His voyages initiated widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas.
Trivia
- Columbus died in 1506, believing he had found a new route to Asia, not a new continent.
- Columbus's legacy remains controversial due to his role in the colonization of the Americas and its impact on indigenous peoples.
FAQs
People also ask
When was Christopher Columbus born?
Christopher Columbus was born the 31 October 1451.
Where is Christopher Columbus from?
Genoa, Republic of Genoa (present-day Italy).
On His Birth-Day
About October 31st, 1451, in brief:
- Day of the week: October 31st, 1451 was a Friday
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio (in western zodiac), Goat (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: Waxing crescent