Christopher Columbus

Definition

An Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for widespread European exploration and the eventual conquest of the Americas by Europeans. His expeditions, sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, were the first European contact with the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

Related terms

Age of Discovery: A period from the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th century during which Europeans engaged in intensive exploration of the world.

New World: One of three major areas (along with Afro-Eurasia and Oceania) known to Europeans before Columbus' voyages. It includes North America, Central America, South America and nearby islands.

Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.