Fourth Voyage: 1502-1504 CE
Although the Europeans had now firmly established themselves in the New World, Columbus had yet to find a way through the islands he had so far visited and reached Cathay. The final attempts of Christopher Columbus in 1502 were those of a man becoming increasingly desperate to make a name for himself. This journey was significantly less grand, with just four vessels and the Spanish crown’s accusation in the rear of it all.
Last Attempt and Legacy
- On his own, Columbus explored the islands off Honduras, mapped Costa Rica and other sites, and was sailing on when a storm drove his ship toward Jamaica where it was wrecked.
- The man and his followers became stuck for months, subsisting on food and supplies pilfered and dishonestly procured from the local people.
- He and his men were eventually rescued, largely through their own efforts, and Columbus returned to Spain where, in ill-health, he died in Valladolid in May of 1506 CE.
Christopher Columbus: Biography, Voyages & Facts
Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator from the Republic of Genoa who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. His exploration opened the way for widespread European exploration as it inspired other explorers leading to discoveries of new lands and territories across the globe.
It also unintentionally led to the discovery of the Americas, which were previously unknown to Europeans. He is a popular but controversial figure as he is well celebrated in America, especially the United States but is also criticized for the negative impacts on the indigenous people of America.
Table of Content
- Early Life of Christopher Columbus
- Journey to Spain
- First Voyage: 1492-1493 CE
- Second Voyage – 1493-1496 CE
- Third Voyage – 1498-1500 CE
- Fourth Voyage: 1502-1504 CE
- Facts About Christopher Columbus