To which country Christopher Columbus did belong?

The correct answer is Italy.
While he famously sailed under the flag of Spain, Christopher Columbus was born in 1451 in the Republic of Genoa, which is part of modern-day Italy. He was an Italian explorer and navigator whose voyages across the Atlantic Ocean opened the way for widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas.

His Italian Roots

Columbus was born to a family of weavers. His father was Domenico Colombo and his mother was Susanna Fontanarossa. Growing up in the busy port city of Genoa, he gained early experience at sea. He was well-versed in several languages and was a self-taught man, studying cartography (map-making), navigation, and astronomy.

Why did he sail for Spain?

A common misconception is that Columbus was Spanish because he worked for the Spanish Crown. In reality, he spent years traveling through Europe seeking a sponsor for his plan to reach Asia by sailing west.

• He first approached the King of Portugal, who rejected his proposal.


• He then spent nearly seven years lobbying the Spanish monarchs, King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I.


• In 1492, they finally agreed to fund his expedition, granting him the title of "Admiral of the Ocean Sea."

Italy vs. Rome

In the context of the 15th century, "Italy" was not a single unified country but a collection of independent city-states and regions. While Rome was a major city-state (the heart of the Papal States), Columbus specifically belonged to Genoa. Therefore, "Italy" is the correct national/cultural identification for the explorer.

Key Takeaways

• Birthplace: Genoa, Italy.


• Nationality: Italian (Genoese).


• Sponsor: Spain (The Crown of Castile).


• Legacy: His voyages led to the first lasting European contact with the Americas.