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he was looking for both i think.

He was looking for a westward water route to either India or the East Indies; historians differ on this. He thought that by continuing westward, he would eventually reach the east. He had no idea that the Western Hemisphere lay ahead (North and S. America and islands of the Caribbean, Central America, etc.) In his day, only three continents were known--Europe, Africa, and Asia. The Silk Road established many years before, was the overland route between Europe and Asia. An eastward route by water would have meant traversing the Meditteranean Sea, paying tolls and tribute to the Italians and Arabs who controlled the Meditteranean.

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Related Questions

Why did Christopher Columbus explore?

Christopher Columbus was actually looking for a shorter route to Asia.


Was Christopher Columbus looking for Asia or India?

Yes, he did. He was actually searching for a western sea route to Asia. He thought he could reach the East Indies this way.


Did Christopher Columbus find Asia or a different country?

Christopher Columbus did not find Asia, although he intended to. He landed on San Salvador, which he thought was part of the West Indies.


Where did Christopher Columbus think he landed when he arrived in the Americas?

When Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas, he thought he had landed in Asia, specifically in the East Indies.


What country was Christopher Columbus looking for a new route?

Christopher Columbus wanted to reach Asia, because of its large amounts of riches and valuable goods. Instead, he reached the West Indies, which included what is now known as Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and so forth. Columbus refused to believe that he had landed anywhere but Asia, however.


Why did Christopher Columbus want to explore the places that he did?

He was looking for a trade route to Asia (the East Indies), where many valuables could be traded (e.g. silk, spices).


When christopher columbus made his famous voyages to the new world he?

believed he had reached the Indies (Asia)


What ideas did christopher Columbus base his plans for reaching Asia?

Columbus wanted to sail west around the world to reach the Indies.


Where did Columbus think he had landed when he arrived in the Americas?

When Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492, he believed he had landed in Asia, specifically in the East Indies.


Was christopher Columbus looking for north America?

No. Christopher Columbus was actually looking for a shortcut to India for spices.


What was the goal of christopher Columbus' exploration?

The goal for the first voyage of Christopher Columbus was to reach the West Indies.


Did christopher Columbus find what he was looking for?

No, he was really looking for an easier way to get to Asia when he ran into North America.