Cristoforo Colombo, known as Christopher Columbus in English, was an Italian explorer born in 1451 in Genoa. He is famous for his voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, which led to the European awareness of the American continents. Columbus made four significant trips between 1492 and 1504, seeking a westward route to Asia. Columbus's expeditions were sponsored by the Spanish monarchy, specifically Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II. His first voyage in 1492 resulted in the discovery of several islands in the Caribbean, including Hispaniola and Cuba. Although he never reached the mainland of North America, his journeys opened the door for further exploration and colonization.