Columbus compiled documents that were proof of assets bestowed upon him by the monarchs of Spain.

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Columbus' modern ships were fast and strong enough for the rough Atlantic seas.

During his fourth voyage Columbus was forced to take refuge in a cove off the shores of Hispaniola.

When Columbus made landfall in the Caribbean, he believed it to be Asia--his intended destination.

Columbus used his celestial knowledge to scare native people into thinking a lunar eclipse was a sign of his angry god.

Though he didn't produce much profit for the monarchs of Spain, Columbus opened a path to the new world for all of Europe.