Christopher Columbus: Sailed for Spain

Columbus's Voyages Were Funded by the Spanish Crown

Although Christopher Columbus was Italian by birth (from Genoa), his famous transatlantic voyages were commissioned and financed by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile of Spain.

Key Points

• Nationality: Italian (Genoese)
• Sponsor: Spanish monarchy
• Goal: Find a westward sea route to Asia
• Voyages: Four expeditions between 1492 and 1504
• Outcome: European encounter with the Americas, leading to Spanish colonization

Columbus's agreement with the Spanish crown (the Capitulations of Santa Fe) granted him titles and a share of profits, anchoring Spain's claim to the New World.