Christopher Columbus, Genoese explorer, discovering America, 12 May 1492 (1590). Artist: Theodor de Bry [Getty Images]

Christopher Columbus, Genoese explorer, discovering America, 12 May 1492 (1590). Sponsored by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, Columbus set out to discover a westward route to Asia. He landed on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, claiming it for Spain. (Photo by Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images)

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