Because... the map in his time was wrong (but only in scale):
China was thought to be farther east than it was,
the Americas were not on the maps
the combined Atlantic and Pacific was thought to be much narrower than they are.
Because, contrary to common believe, medieval scholars were well aware of the fact that the earth is a sphere.
Columbus disagreed with the scientific community concerning the size of earth, that's why he thought it possible to actually reach India by sailing West using contemporary ships.
.
Because the knowledge of the world did not include the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
more than likely by noticing that the moon, sun and other stars were round. or how the horizon changed the higher you are elevated.
Christopher Columbus felt that a sailing ship could reach Asia within two months. He did believe that this was something that could only be accomplished however with favorable winds.
Christopher Columbus.
thought he could reach China by sailing west
two
Columbus planned to reach Asia by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean, while Dias hoped to reach Asia by sailing around Africa and through the Indian Ocean.
Christopher Columbus was convinced that he could reach Asia by sailing west.
Christopher Columbus felt that a sailing ship could reach Asia within two months. He did believe that this was something that could only be accomplished however with favorable winds.
Christopher Columbus.
Christopher Columbus.
thought he could reach China by sailing west
West. :)
two months
That was Christopher Columbus.
Wiz Khalifa
two
SPAIN!
Columbus thought he could reach India by sailing west.