Christopher Columbus discovered the New World while seeking a westward route to Asia in 1492. Sponsored by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, Columbus aimed to find a direct maritime route to access Asian markets for spices and other goods. Instead, he reached the islands of the Caribbean, including present-day Bahamas, which he mistakenly believed were part of the East Indies. His voyages significantly altered the course of history, leading to the widespread exploration, colonization, and exploitation of the Americas by European powers. Columbus's expeditions are often credited with opening the New World to European exploration.