The document discusses Christopher Columbus' motives for sailing to the Americas in 1492. It begins by noting that while everyone knows Columbus sailed, few understand his true motives beyond receiving funding from Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain. The document then provides background on Columbus, describing him as the son of wool merchants born in Genoa, Italy who worked as a merchant sailor and studied cartography, navigation and astronomy. It states that after being denied by England and Portugal, Columbus sought patronage from Ferdinand and Isabella, promising new trade routes and the ability to spread Christianity in exchange for royal sponsorship of his voyage.