Christopher Columbus first sights the island of Dominica in the Caribbean Sea.

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator, best known for his voyages across the Atlantic Ocean in the late 15th century. Born in Genoa around 1451, he sought a westward route to Asia, believing it would be shorter than existing routes. In 1492, he secured funding from the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella and embarked on his first voyage, reaching the islands of the Caribbean, including parts of present-day Bahamas and Hispaniola.

Columbus made four voyages in total, exploring various islands in the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America. His expeditions were significant for opening up the Americas to European exploration and colonization, but they also had profound and often devastating impacts on indigenous populations through disease, slavery, and violence. Columbus is a controversial figure today, celebrated by some for his navigational achievements and criticized by others for his role in the colonization and exploitation of indigenous peoples.