How many children did Christopher Columbus have?

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer who stumbled upon the Americas and whose journeys marked the beginning of centuries of transatlantic colonization. Columbus's voyages are considered some of the most important events in world history but little is known about his family.

In 1451, he was born in Italy to a middle-class family. In 1473, Columbus began his apprenticeship as business agent where he was able to travel. He married Filipa Perestrelo, daughter of a Portuguese nobleman. About 1480, son Diego Columbus was born the couple.

From 1482-1485 Columbus traded along the coasts from West Africa to Portugal. While he was away his wife passed away. He returned to Lisbon to take his son Diego with him on his voyages.

In 1487, he met a young woman named Beatriz de Arana. She gave birth to Columbus's son Fernando Columbus in July 1488, illegitimately. Columbus recognized the boy as his son, although he was absent during his historical explorations for much of his sons' formative years. In 1506, at age 54, Columbus died due to ill health.

Columbus’s immediate descendants brought a series of lawsuits, the “Pleitos Colombinos,” against the Crown of Castile after his death. The first lawsuits lasted for more than 20 years. Columbus’s family sued for profits & property promised to him & his family. Luis, Columbus’s grandson, won some concessions, including royal titles. The legal hearings nearly dragged on until the 300th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage.