Christopher Columbus
Learn about the brave explorer who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and changed the world!
An image of what Christopher Columbus may have looked like
ILLUSTRATION BY Duskbloom Littles
In 1492, Christopher Columbus set out on one of the most daring adventures in history! This brave Italian explorer convinced the Spanish queen to let him sail west across the dangerous Atlantic Ocean to find a new route to Asia for valuable spices and silk.
Columbus sailed with three ships - the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María - into waters no European had ever crossed before. After 36 scary days at sea, his crew spotted land! But Columbus had accidentally discovered something even more amazing than a route to Asia - he had found the Americas!
Columbus and his crew on the deck of the Santa Maria using a compass and looking at maps
This incredible voyage connected two parts of the world that had never known about each other. Columbus made four trips across the Atlantic, bringing new foods like tomatoes, potatoes, and chocolate to Europe, while bringing horses, cattle, and wheat to the Americas.
Columbus landing on a tropical island beach in the Americas, meeting indigenous people for the first time
Columbus's brave journey across the unknown ocean opened up a whole new world of exploration and discovery!
