CC
Christopher Columbus
75quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Christopher Columbus is commonly known as Cristóbal Colón in Spanish and Christophe Colomb in French.
Birth and Death Dates
Christopher Columbus was born on October 31, 1451, in Genoa, Italy. He died on May 20, 1506, in Valladolid, Spain.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Columbus was an Italian explorer, navigator, and cartographer who held a Spanish passport and is widely regarded as the first European to reach the Americas.
Early Life and Background
Christopher Columbus was born into a family of wool weavers. As a young man, he moved to Portugal, where he worked as a merchant's apprentice and later became involved in maritime trade. After his father's death, Columbus joined the Portuguese fleet that sailed to the Guinea coast. He also spent time in the Mediterranean, exploring various ports.
Major Accomplishments
Columbus made four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean between 1492 and 1504. His most notable voyage was the first one, which took place on August 3, 1492. On this journey, he set sail with three small ships: the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Niña. After crossing the ocean for nearly two months, Columbus arrived at the island of Guanahani in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492. He named the island San Salvador.
Notable Works or Actions
Columbus wrote three letters to King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile during his first voyage. These letters detailed his discoveries and provided evidence of the riches he found in the New World. His writings helped to fuel the interest of European monarchs in exploring and colonizing the Americas.
Impact and Legacy
Columbus's voyages had a profound impact on world history, leading to the establishment of Spanish colonies in the Caribbean and the discovery of new trade routes across the Atlantic. However, his legacy is also marred by controversy, as his arrival marked the beginning of European colonization, which led to the displacement, enslavement, and genocide of indigenous peoples.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Columbus's quotes and writings are widely quoted due to their significance in understanding the motivations and experiences of early explorers. He is also remembered as a symbol of adventure, discovery, and the pioneering spirit that drove European exploration. However, it is essential to acknowledge the complexities and criticisms surrounding his legacy.
In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny of Columbus's life and actions, particularly with regard to his treatment of indigenous peoples and his role in shaping colonial policies. As a result, some cities have removed statues of Columbus from public spaces or replaced them with more nuanced representations that acknowledge the complexity of his impact on history.
Quotes by Christopher Columbus
"
The Indians on board said that thence to Cuba was a voyage in their canoes of a day and a half; these being small dug-outs without a sail. Such are their canoes. I departed thence for Cuba, for by the signs the Indians made of its greatness, and of its gold and pearls, I thought that it must be Cipango.
"
I believe that there are many herbs and many trees that are worth much in Europe for dyes and for medicines; but I do not know, and this causes me great sorrow. Arriving at this cape, I found the smell of the trees and flowers so delicious that it seemed the pleasantest thing in the world.
"
I propose to construct a new chart for navigating, on which I shall delineate all the sea and lands of the Ocean in their proper positions under their bearings; and further, I propose to prepare a book, and to put down all as it were in a picture, by latitude from the equator, and western longitude.
"
There are trees of a thousand sorts, and all have their several fruits; and I feel the most unhappy man in the world not to know them, for I am well assured that they are all valuable. I bring home specimens of them, and also of the land.
"
Each day we understand better what the Indians say, and they us, so that very often we are intelligible to each other.
"
My desire was not to pass any island without taking possession, so that, one having been taken, the same may be said of all.
"
As soon as I arrived in the Indies, in the first island which I found, I took some of the natives by force, in order that they might learn and might give me information of whatever there is in these parts. And so it was that they soon understood us, and we them, either by speech or by signs, and they have been very serviceable.
"
I have come to believe that this is a mighty continent which was hitherto unknown.
"
An old man came on board my boat; the others, both men and women cried with loud voices: “Come and see the men who have come from the sky. Bring them victuals and drink.”
Showing 1 to 10 of 75 results