Explorer Christopher Columbus made his return to Lisbon aboard the ship Niña after his first voyage to the Americas. Setting sail in August of the previous year, Columbus embarked on a quest to find a westward route to Asia but instead discovered various islands in the Caribbean, including parts of what are now The Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola. His return was met with fanfare, as he was hailed for his daring exploration that had dramatically altered the known world map of the time.

Columbus’s expedition was sponsored by the Spanish monarchs, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile, eager to expand their trade networks and spread Christianity. The arrival of Columbus in Lisbon marked a historical moment of excitement and curiosity, leading to new opportunities for trade and colonization. The crew of Niña included sailors who had endured the challenges of the sea, including navigational errors and the threat of shipwreck.

When Columbus arrived, he brought with him tales of vast lands rich in resources and populated by indigenous peoples. Reports of gold, spices, and other valuable goods ignited European interest in exploration and conquest, paving the way for further voyages by both Columbus and others. His journey not only raised awareness in Europe about the existence of the American continents but also set the stage for future transatlantic endeavors that would change world history.