As one of the most famous navigators in history, Columbus’s life and exploration activities are forever engraved in the pages of human history. Columbus’s name not only represents the beginning of the Age of Discovery, but also symbolizes the courage to cross the ocean and the determination to explore the unknown. However, Columbus’s legend is not only brilliant, but also accompanied by controversy and debate.
Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451. The city was then a prosperous seaport, which laid the foundation for his dream of navigation. He received basic education and learned astronomy, geography, and navigation skills, which played a crucial role in his later navigation career.
Columbus’s dream of navigation originated from his family. His father was a cartographer, which exposed him to maps and navigation tools, sparking his interest in distant lands. In his youth, there were also legendary stories of navigators, such as the adventures of Marco Polo and Margaret de la Perez, which deeply influenced his imagination.
Columbus’ dream of navigation was not limited to this, but he was also inspired by the ideas of the Renaissance period, which emphasized individual agency and thirst for knowledge. This was in line with Columbus’s determination. He believed that the Earth was round, not flat as commonly believed at the time, which made him believe that the trade routes to India and the East could be reached through the Western voyage.
Columbus’s dream of sailing was a passion deeply rooted in his heart, which would drive him to achieve great adventures in the years to come.
Columbus’s navigation plan was full of courage and adventurous spirit. He was committed to finding a shorter and more direct route to connect Europe and Asia, bypassing traditional land trade routes. Although most people believed that the Earth was flat at the time, Columbus firmly believed that it was a sphere, which meant that by sailing westward, he could eventually reach Asia.
In order to implement his plan, Columbus first needed sponsorship and support. He went to Portugal and Spain, but was repeatedly rejected. In the end, in 1492, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain provided him with support, which would change the course of world history.
