Christopher Columbus was sent to explore the New World by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile. In the late 15th century, Columbus proposed his plan to find a western route to Asia by sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. After several rejections, he gained the support of the Spanish monarchs, who provided him with funding and ships for his expedition. Columbus made his famous voyage in 1492, which eventually led to the European exploration and colonization of the Americas.