--- title: Map of the Voyages of Christopher Columbus 1492-1504 author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14653/map-of-the-voyages-of-christopher-columbus-1492-15/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2025-10-13 --- # Map of the Voyages of Christopher Columbus 1492-1504 _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Map of the Voyages of Christopher Columbus 1492-1504](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14653.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14653.png) ## Image Caption [Christopher Columbus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Christopher_Columbus/) (c. 1451–1506) led four transatlantic expeditions between 1492 and 1504 under the patronage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and [Isabella I of Castile](https://www.worldhistory.org/Isabella_I_of_Castile/). His goal was to find a westward maritime route to Asia’s [trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/) centers: [India](https://www.worldhistory.org/india/), [China](https://www.worldhistory.org/china/), [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/), and the Spice Islands, but instead, he reached the Caribbean archipelago, landing on islands such as Hispaniola and Cuba. [Columbus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Christopher_Columbus/) only set foot on the American mainland during his fourth and final voyage (1502–1504), exploring parts of the Central American coast. Although he never accepted that he had encountered a previously unknown continent, Columbus’s expeditions had a transformative global impact. They initiated the Age of Discovery, launching an era of European maritime expansion, [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/), and [colonization](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/colonization/). His voyages linked the Old and New Worlds for the first time, unleashing profound cultural encounters, demographic changes, and economic exchanges across the Atlantic. These developments marked the beginning of European imperial expansion in the Americas, reshaping global history through both innovation and exploitation. #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2021, September 24). Map of the Voyages of Christopher Columbus 1492-1504. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Voyages of Christopher Columbus 1492-1504." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 24, 2021. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Voyages of Christopher Columbus 1492-1504." *World History Encyclopedia*, 24 Sep 2021, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 24 September 2021. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.