Christopher Columbus A Maritime Explorer By: Ryan Cunningham and Ryan Himmelman

Historical Background Born in Genoa, Italy in Died May 20, Birth name was Christophorus Columbo. He was the oldest of five children. He probably did not complete his education. Became an admiral for the crown of Castile.

Historical Background Tried to get countries to support his journey to find a new route to Asia. The King of Spain finally gave him permission. In 1492 he set sail for Asia with three ships. He believed to have landed in Asia but it was actually the Bahamas. Made four trips across the Atlantic to the New World.

Physical Appearance  Not much is know about the physical appearance of Christopher Columbus.  It is believed that he had red hair that eventually turned white.  His skin was light that had a reddish tint from the sun. He was also described as a large man with a normal build, high cheeks, long face, and light eyes.  This is believed to be the most widely accepted portrait of him.

Clothing  Probably wore clothes that most merchants and noblemen along the northern Mediterranean wore.  Brimless hat, a padded undercoat, a pleated overcoat, a girdle, and soft shoes

Language Columbus wrote in almost all Spanish with a Portuguese dialect. He also kept journals that were written in Latin an Greek. He sometimes spoke in Latin, which was considered to be the language of scholarship.

Religious Practices Thought to be born into a Christian household. Columbus was a member of the Roman Catholic religion. As he got older he became more and more religious. He believed he heard divine voices and thought god sent him throughout the world to spread Christianity.

Family Life  Columbus’ family was very poor.  His father, Domenico Colombo, was a wool weaver.  His mother was Susanna Fontanarossa. He also had a brother Bartolomeo.

First Voyage Columbus’ first voyage began in He was in search of a new passage to India so they could transport gold and spices back to Europe. After two months of sailing Columbus and his three ships, the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria landed in Central America. When they returned to Europe, word of his new findings quickly spread.

Second Voyage The second voyage started in 1493, with the goal of finding new land. This time there were 17 ships and over 1000 men. The second voyage started in 1493, with the goal of finding new land. This time there were 17 ships and over 1000 men. He landed on an island that he called Dominica. He explored the Caribbean for ten months before returning home to Spain. He landed on an island that he called Dominica. He explored the Caribbean for ten months before returning home to Spain.

Third Voyage Columbus’ second voyage started in 1498, when he left Spain. The six ship fleet landed on the island of Trinidad again in Central America. Columbus’ second voyage started in 1498, when he left Spain. The six ship fleet landed on the island of Trinidad again in Central America. He explored the region and finally made it to mainland South America before turning back to Europe. He explored the region and finally made it to mainland South America before turning back to Europe.

Final Voyage  Columbus’ set out on his final voyage to try to find a passage into the Indian ocean because he still believed he had landed in Asia on the previous voyages.  He did no find this passage because he was never actually made it to Asia in the first place.  He then returned to Spain for the final time.

Images

Bibliography olumbus olumbus olumbus olumbus ers/page/c/columbus.shtml ers/page/c/columbus.shtml ers/page/c/columbus.shtml ers/page/c/columbus.shtml r-columbus r-columbus r-columbus r-columbus Portrait 1 Portrait 1 Portrait 1 Portrait 1

Bibliography Columbus in The New World Columbus in The New World Columbus in The New World Columbus in The New World ry_3.html ry_3.html ry_3.html ry_3.html