1. Christopher Columbus
Today, you will all become explorers as we start our voyage learning about Columbus.
Anchors Away!

2. An explorer is a person who travels seeking new discoveries.
Christopher Columbus was a famous explorer.
What is an explorer?
An explorer is a person who travels seeking new discoveries.

3. He was born in 1451 in Genoa, Italy.
Does anyone know what continent Italy
is located on? __________

4. When Columbus was born Europe was going through a time when they were controlled by a group of people called the Ottoman Turks. The Ottoman Turks took control of Constantinople, which was a major trade center between Europe and Asia.

5. Asia had many items that the Europeans
wanted and needed.
Does anyone know what a European is?
A person from one of the countries in Europe.

6. Asia had items such as gold, silk, and gems
Asia had items such as gold, silk, and gems. They also had spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and mace. These spices were used as seasonings and medicines.

7. Because the Ottoman Turks controlled a major trade center between Europe and Asia, Europeans had a very difficult time getting these treasures from Asia. Explorers began looking for other routes to Asia. This was a problem though, because many peopled believed that the world was flat.

8. They believed that if you sailed beyond
what land was known that you would fall
off of the Earth. Because of this, sailors
forced to try to sail around the tip of
Africa to reach Asia.
Columbus was different though. He
thought the Earth was round. He believed that
they could sail west and reach the Indies or
what we now know is Asia.

9. Columbus new that he would find a trade
route to Asia by sailing west, but he needed
money to make the trip. Columbus tried many
times to get people to pay for his trip but they
said NO!!!! In April of 1492, Queen Isabella of
Spain and King Ferdinand said that they would
pay for Columbus to find a trade route to Asia
or the Indies by sailing west.

10. Columbus took 3 ships.
Can you name the three ships?
Nina, Pinta, and the Santa Maria
Columbus also took a crew of 90 men along
with a translator, three physicians,
servants, a secretary, and an accountant.
Columbus actually set out for Asia in
August.

11. He did not have many navigational
instruments so he used the stars
to help determine the ships position.
What are navigational instruments?
Instruments used by sailors that help
them find where they are going.

12. After sailing for a month, the explorers
began to doubt they would find land.
However, on October 12th a sailor yelled
out “Land, Land.”
What do you think it would have been like
to spot land after 2 months of sailing on
the open seas?

13. When Columbus finally reached land, did
he land where he was trying to go?
NO!
Columbus actually landed on an island in
the Caribbean Sea called San Salvador
-named by Columbus.
(located in the Bahamas)

15. Columbus believed that he had reached
the Indies, so he called the people he
met, Indians. Columbus made more trips
across the ocean, although none as famous
as his first. Columbus died a wealthy man
in May of 1506.

16. Review Where was Columbus born? Genoa, Italy
What continent is Italy located on?
Europe
What was Columbus looking for?
Western sea route to Asia
What was in Asia?
Gems, gold, silk, and spices

17. What did Columbus think about the Earth?
That it was round
Which direction did Columbus think he could sail to reach the Indies?
West
Who gave Columbus money to pay for his voyage?
The king and queen of Spain King Ferdinand and
Queen Isabella
What else did the king and queen give Columbus?
Three ships: Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria and a crew of 90 men

18. What month did Columbus find land?
October
Did Columbus ever actually reach the Indies? No
What did he find instead?
America, the New World
What did he name the land he discovered?
San Salvador
What country sponsored Columbus on his voyage?
Spain
What did Columbus name the natives he met? Why?
He named them the Indians, because he thought he had landed in the Indies

19. Where is San Salvador located?
In the Bahamas
When Columbus died, did he know he had discovered America? No
How do we celebrate Columbus and his discovery of the New World?
Columbus Day in October