The famed Italian explorer credited with discovering America in 1492 is Christopher Columbus. Sponsored by Spain, Columbus set out on a transatlantic voyage intending to find a westward route to Asia. Instead, he landed in the Bahamas, marking the beginning of European exploration and colonization of the Americas. Although he did not discover a new passage to Asia, Columbus' voyages opened the floodgates for further exploration and exploitation by European powers. His legacy is complex, hailed for his achievements in navigation while also criticized for the ensuing impact on indigenous populations and cultures.