Columbus (1451-1506), the Italian navigator, was the person who led many of the geographical discoveries. He was a navigator who dedicated his life to adventure and fame. He had believed in prophecies. He firmly believed that his destiny was finding out a sea route to the East by sailing westward. The geographical astronomical book titled “Imago Mundi” written by Cardinal Pierre d’Ailly in 1410 inspired Columbus.
He presented his schemes of voyage to the Portuguese King but he refused to approve them. But the Queen of Spain, Isabella, was ready to help him. Thus on 3 August 1492, with Spanish help, Columbus started his voyage from the port of Palos. Columbus and co-navigators began their voyage in three small ships named Santa Maria, Pinta, and Nina. With the assistance of 40 expert navigators, Columbus himself navigated Santa Maria. The voyage crossing the Atlantic was a long one.
