The life of Christopher Columbus

Christopher was born

Oct 30, 1451

Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa in Italy in 1451.His father was a wool weaver. The family owned a cheese stand which Christopher worked at as a young boy.

Columbus' early voyages

Apr 20, 1470

By the age of 19, Columbus had experienced voyages as he travelled the seas as a pirate, attacking ships .

Columbus refused patronage

Jun 2, 1484

After Columbus married the daughter of a Portuguese explorer, he attempted to gain support for a voyage to find trade routes from the King of Portugal. This attempt was unsuccessful.

Columbus moves to Spain

Nov 4, 1486

Following the death of his wife Felipa, Columbus moved from Portugal to Spain where he met and married his second wife, Dona Enriquez. Columbus attempted to get support for his voyage from the spanish courts but again he is refused.

King and Queen of Spain approve Columbus' voyage

Jul 23, 1492

After being rejected multiple times for approval of his voyage from many monarchs such as King Charles VIII of France, Columbus' voyage was approved and sponsored by King Ferdinand and Queen Isobella of Spain. They provided Columbus with money and three ships: the Santa Maria, Nina and Pinta.

Columbus spice voyage begins

Sep 8, 1492

Columbus begins his voyage with his three ships. They reach the Canary islands a week later. During their travels Columbus kept two log books to deceive the crew as to the real length of the voyage and to ensure that they did not get scared.

Columbus discovered land

Oct 12, 1492

Columbus discovers land, he names the island San Salvador. Columbus believed at this point that he had reached the passage between India and China.

Columbus discovers The New World

Dec 5, 1492

The Santa Maria sinks off the cost of Hispaniola but Christopher Columbus establishes the first Spanish settlement in the New World.

Columbus' second voyage from Seville

Sep 25, 1493

Columbus left the Port of Cadiz with 17 ships carrying over 1,500 men. Columbus explores Hispaniola (Jamaica) and encounters the fierce native indians. Columbus also establishes a Spanish settlement in Haiti and searches for gold.

Columbus: Third Voyage

May 30, 1498

Columbus left Seville with six ships. On the 31st of July 1948, the ships arrived at the Cape Verde Islands.Christopher Columbus was the first European to land in South America. Columbus was heavily criticised for his handling of the spanish settlements and their treatment of the native people.

Columbus: Final voyage takes place

Jan 1, 1502

Columbus embarked on his final voyage in 1502.

Columbus dies.

May 20, 1506

After returning to Spain following his voyages, it was here where Columbus died on the 20th of May 1506.