Christopher Columbus was the famous Italian explorer who introduced Europe to the Americas. Sponsored by Spain, he embarked on his first voyage in 1492, intending to find a new route to Asia. Instead, he landed in the Bahamas, marking the beginning of sustained European contact with the Americas. Columbus's expeditions paved the way for the widespread colonization of the continent and were significant in global trade, cultural exchanges, and the eventual exploitation of indigenous populations. Despite controversies surrounding his legacy, Columbus's voyages drastically transformed the course of history, influencing both European and indigenous societies profoundly.