Ruben abu bakr biography of christopher columbus

Christopher Columbus  ©Known as 'the man who discovered America', Columbus was in fact trying to find a westward sea passage to the Orient when he landed in the New World in 1492.

This unintentional discovery was to change the course of world history.

Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa between August and October 1451. His father was a weaver and small-time merchant.

Ruben abu bakr biography of christopher columbus book

As a teenager, Christopher went to sea, travelled extensively and eventually made Portugal his base. It was here that he initially attempted to gain royal patronage for a westward voyage to the Orient - his 'enterprise of the Indies'.

When this failed, and appeals to the French and English courts were also rejected, Columbus found himself in Spain, still struggling to win backing for his project.

Finally, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella agreed to sponsor the expedition, and on 3 August 1492, Columbus and his fleet of three ships, the Santa Maria, the Pinta and the Niña,