Christopher Columbus was a Italian explorer credited to be the first person to discover the Americas.

In the 15th century, Exotic goods such as spices, ivory, silk, and gems were popular items of trade. However, Europeans often had to travel through the Middle East to reach Asia, which is where a lot of trading took place.

In order to trade with Asia, Europeans would travel through the Middle East to reach Asia. But Middle Eastern countries would charge travelers taxes to cross through their countries, which made it hard and costly to reach Asia. One day Columbus heard a rumor that if he sailed West he would reach Asia. He decided to make the journey for himself.

In order to sail West Columbus needed ships and supplies, which required money that he did not have. He asked several kingdoms to fund his journey and many declined. After seven years of trying, he was finally sponsored by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain.