The Age of Exploration: Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus is widely known as the explorer who discovered America. But before his famous voyage, Columbus had a rich and complex history.
Born in Genoa, Italy in 1451, Columbus grew up in a family of wool weavers. While he did receive some formal education, it is believed that most of his knowledge came from his own curiosity and experiences.
Columbus began his career as a sailor when he was just a teenager, working on Genoese trading ships. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled navigator and became a captain at the young age of 25. During this time, Columbus was exposed to the latest advances in navigation technology, which would later influence his own voyages.
However, Columbus's ambitions were not limited to sailing. He believed in the possibility of reaching Asia by sailing west, a theory that was not widely accepted at the time. Columbus spent years trying to convince monarchs and financiers to fund his voyage, but was repeatedly rejected. It was not until 1492, when King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain agreed to support him, that Columbus was able to set sail.
Overall, Columbus's early life and background played a significant role in shaping his later achievements. His experiences as a sailor and his belief in the possibility of reaching Asia by sailing west were crucial to his success in discovering America.
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