Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer born in 1451. He is best known for his voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, which led to the European awareness of the Americas. Columbus made four trips between 1492 and 1504, sailing under the flag of Spain in search of a westward route to Asia. Columbus's first voyage in 1492 resulted in the discovery of several islands in the Caribbean, including Hispaniola and Cuba. His expeditions opened the door for the widespread exploration and colonization of the Americas by European powers, significantly impacting world history.