Christopher Columbus: Quick Facts

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Oct. 22, 2026

Also Known As	Cristoforo Colombo • Cristóbal Colón
Born Between	August 26, 1451 and October 31, 1451 • Genoa
Died	May 20, 1506 • Valladolid • Spain
Notable Family Members	son Diego Columbus • brother Bartholomew Columbus

Columbus' heirs sued the Spanish crown, claiming Columbus was deprived of his profits. The lawsuits ended almost 300 years after Columbus first set sail.
Spanish ships in the 1400s were generally named after saints; hence, 'Nina' and 'Pinta' are actually nicknames given to the ships by the sailors.
Columbus was assured 10 percent of any wealth he found as well as the rank of nobility and governor over the Americas he was to encounter.