• Born in 1451 in Genoa, an important trade and crusader port city
• Speculated that conversion of great Asian ruler would allow for conquering Middle East
• First saw a Muslim in real life as a teenager, but read about Islam before
• Described many of the native people in the New World in Muslim world terms
• On August 3, 1492, set sail from Spain to find all-water route to Asia
• Landed on an island in the Bahamas and explored Caribbean for next five months
• In letter, declares that found land could easily be conquered by Spain
• Gave gifts in an effort to win affection and convert the people to Christians