The famous explorer who sailed the oceans for Spain in search of a new route to Asia was Christopher Columbus. In 1492, Columbus embarked on a voyage under the auspices of the Spanish monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, aiming to establish a westward route to India and the Spice Islands. Instead, he encountered the Americas, which led to significant changes in global trade, culture, and colonization. Columbus's expeditions marked the beginning of widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas, profoundly altering the course of history and shaping the modern world.