Christopher Columbus[a] (/kəˈlʌmbəs/;[3] before 31 October 1451 – 20 May 1506) was an Italian explorer, navigator, and colonist who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain. He led the first European expeditions to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, initiating the permanent European colonization of the Americas.

Christopher Columbus
Portrait of a Man, Said to be Christopher Columbus.jpg
Posthumous portrait of Christopher Columbus by Sebastiano del Piombo, 1519. There are no known authentic portraits of Columbus.[1]
1st Governor of the Indies
In office
1492–1499
Appointed by
Isabella I of Castile
Succeeded by
Francisco de Bobadilla
Personal details
Born
Before 31 October 1451
Genoa, Republic of Genoa
Died
20 May 1506 (aged c. 54)
Valladolid, Crown of Castile
Resting place
Seville Cathedral, Seville, Spain
Spouse(s)
Filipa Moniz Perestrelo
Domestic partner
Beatriz Enríquez de Arana
Children
Diego
Fernando
Parents
Domenico Colombo
Susanna Fontanarossa
Relatives
Brothers:
Giovanni Pellegrino
Giacomo (also called Diego)[2]
Bartholomew
Sister:
Bianchinetta Columbus
Occupation
Maritime explorer
Signature