Christopher Columbus was born in 1451 in Genoa, Italy. He believed the world was round and proposed sailing west to reach Asia, hoping to find a trade route for spices. In 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain funded Columbus' expedition, providing him with three ships: the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. On October 12, 1492, Columbus landed in the Bahamas, believing he had reached Asia, but had actually discovered the Americas. Over his four voyages, Columbus explored the Caribbean islands and parts of Central and South America, claiming the lands for Spain. Columbus died in 1506, still believing he had reached Asia.