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Columbus was born in Genoa Italy in 1451. His real name was Christoforo Colombo.
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From an early age, Columbus had a keen interest in sailing. He had ambition to become wealthy through trading at sea.
He was taught how to navigate and control the ship using sails. -
Columbus went to live in Portugal. He worked as a trader. This work fueled his ambition to trade with far away countries in the East.
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The route on land was known to be dangerous, it was known as 'The Silk Road' was controlled by Muslims. Sailing around Africa was a very long and grueling trip. Columbus believed there was an alternative route - by sailing West.
What is missing from this map?
How is it different to the maps we have today? -
This was going to be no cheap voyage. Columbus needed the help of someone very wealthy and also many men to accompany him on his journey.
Columbus recieved money men and resources from the King and Queen of Spain as they wanted to claim any land that Columbus discovered. -
It took many years to prepare and gather men for this voyage. Many of the crew were afraid of sailing off the edge of the world.
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Columbus set sail with three ships; The Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. They intended to sail to India and the 'Spice Islands'.(See Log 1)
The voyage was tough and took a lot longer than first expected, and the resources on board began to run out. -
After sailing through the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Columbus and his crew set foot onto land which they believed to be India.
After sailing west, what land do you think this was? -
Columbus and his crew continued sailing around what we know now as the Caribbean, setting foot onto Cuba, and Hispaniola. What do we call Hispaniola?
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Columbus made his fourth, and final journey to Central America in 1502, where his ships were wrecked and he spent a year waiting to be rescued.
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Chirstopher Columbus died at the age of 55 due to an illness now known as Reiter's syndrome. He died with his some family and old shipmates by his side.
