Cristoforo Colombo, later known as Christopher Columbus, was born in Genoa, Italy, to Domenico Colombo, a wool weaver, and Susanna Fontanarossa. Genoa was a significant maritime republic, exposing Columbus to seafaring and trade from a young age. His early life likely involved helping with the family business and gaining experience in navigating the coastal waters of the Mediterranean.

Columbus engaged in extensive seafaring activities throughout the Mediterranean and possibly even further, including voyages to Chios (an island controlled by Genoa) and possibly England. These travels provided him with invaluable experience in navigation, mapmaking, and the practicalities of maritime trade, solidifying his ambition to become a skilled navigator and explorer.