9 - Time Traveler: Voyage With Columbus - The World of Columbus

Before you set sail, here is some information you'll need about Columbus and his time.

We usually say that Christopher Columbus "discovered America" in 1492. In fact, the first European to reach the American continent was probably the Viking explorer Leif Ericson, in about 1000. But before Columbus, Europeans still did not know that America existed.

The explorer was born in Genoa, Italy, in the year 1451. From the time he was a young boy, he longed to go to sea.

When he was fourteen, Christopher became a sailor and traveled throughout the known world. He sailed to France,Spain, England, and faraway Iceland.

In 1476, Columbus was shipwrecked off the coast of Portugal. Luckily, Columbus's brother was living in nearby Lisbon, and the sailor went to visit him. At this time Lisbon was a great seafaring port. It was filled with explorers, astronomers, shipbuilders, mariners, and mapmakers. From these experts Columbus learned more about oceans, winds, and currents, how to use sea charts, and how to read the stars.

By the time Christopher Columbus was thirty, he was a master mariner. He was ready to pursue his greatest dream.

Many explorers in the fifteenth century believed that the world was probably round. But they all feared the unknown sea stretching far to the west. Those who tried to sail across it soon turned back--or were lost forever.

Columbus had no such fears. He wanted to sail west and find a new route to the riches of China, Japan, and the Indies. But to do that, he would need money for ships and men. Lots of money.

He traveled for eight years trying to raise the funds he needed. At first Columbus had no luck. He was scorned and laughed a by ignorant people who still thought the world was flat. He was made promises that were never kept.

Through it all, Columbus kept on trying. At last the rulers of Spain, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, agreed to finance his voyage. With their backing, Columbus found three good ships and enough sailors to man them.

In August of 1492, all was ready. Christopher Columbus left Spain and sailed west to meet his dream. His daring journey won him fame and glory--and changed history.


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