Christopher Columbus is known as an Italian navigator and explorer who played a significant role in the European discovery of America. He is recognized for his famous voyages under the sponsorship of the Spanish government in 1492.

Born in 1451 in the city of Genoa, which was under the Republic of Genoa, Columbus led a middle-class life with his family. His family was involved in trade and maritime activities.

Getting interested in seafaring at a young age, Columbus joined a trading ship at the age of 14. During his maritime experiences, he gained knowledge in maps, navigation, and geography. Traveling on trade ships across the Atlantic, he prepared for his future discoveries.

In 1492, with the financial support of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand II of Spain, Columbus embarked on a famous journey to America with the goal of finding a new sea route to India. However, on October 12, 1492, he reached the continent of America instead. After landing in the Bahamas, he traveled along the coasts of North and South America.

Columbus made a total of four voyages to America in 1493, 1498, and 1502. However, he remained unaware of the discovery of America, believing that he had found a new sea route to India. He never accepted the existence of America until the end of his life.

Spending his later years in Spain, Columbus faced imprisonment due to disputes related to his discoveries and administration. After regaining his freedom, he passed away on May 20, 1506, in Valladolid, Spain.

Christopher Columbus's discovery of the American continent marked a significant era in Europe's exploration of new continents. However, these discoveries deeply affected the lives of Native Americans, leading to complex historical interactions between America and Europe. Columbus's legacy has been a subject of both positive and negative debates.