The famous explorer known for his voyages to the New World is Christopher Columbus. He completed four trips across the Atlantic Ocean, beginning in 1492 under the auspices of the Spanish crown. Columbus is credited with the European discovery of the Americas, although these lands were already inhabited by indigenous peoples. His expeditions led to the establishment of lasting connections between Europe and the New World, initiating widespread exploration and colonization that reshaped global history. Columbus's voyages had significant repercussions, including the exchange of goods and cultures known as the Columbian Exchange, as well as profound socio-economic and demographic changes.