Christopher Columbus—yes, that name again—was an Italian explorer and navigator whose four groundbreaking voyages across the Atlantic Ocean reshaped the course of world history. Born in Genoa, Italy, back in 1451, Columbus took to the sea at a young age and quickly developed a deep fascination with exploration and navigation. Fast forward to 1492, and we find Christopher Columbus setting sail under the Spanish Crown’s sponsorship, aiming to find a westward route to Asia. Instead, he landed in the Bahamas, unknowingly opening the door to the Americas and triggering centuries of European exploration, conquest, and cultural transformation.
Now, when we talk about Christopher Columbus, it’s impossible to ignore the role played by Spain’s monarchs—King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I—who funded his expeditions. Their support wasn’t just generous; it was strategic, reflecting broader ambitions during the Age of Discovery. While many romanticize Columbus as a daring adventurer in search of new trade routes, the reality is far more complex. His journeys didn’t just lead to discovery—they also marked the beginning of colonization, which brought both exchange and devastation. Though Columbus believed he’d reached Asia, his so-called “discovery” actually sparked a global shift, one that would forever alter demographics, economies, and cultures on both sides of the Atlantic.
And here’s where things get tricky: Christopher Columbus’s legacy is anything but simple. On one hand, he’s often credited with connecting the Old World and the New, paving the way for transatlantic contact. On the other, his arrival initiated brutal treatment of Indigenous peoples, forced labor systems, and ultimately contributed to the transatlantic slave trade. So while some still see Christopher Columbus as a heroic pioneer, others view him as a symbol of colonial oppression. That duality—exploration versus exploitation—is central to understanding his impact.
In recent years, there’s been growing momentum to reevaluate Christopher Columbus’s place in history. Where once schools celebrated him with parades and holidays, modern perspectives now emphasize a more balanced narrative—one that includes the voices and suffering of Native communities. This shift has sparked meaningful debates about how we remember historical figures like Christopher Columbus. Was he a visionary or a conqueror? A trailblazer or a harbinger of destruction? The answer, perhaps unsurprisingly, lies somewhere in between.
Looking deeper into his personality, Christopher Columbus fits the profile of an ENTJ—someone who’s bold, strategic, and driven. As an extraverted thinker, he wasn’t shy about pitching his ideas to royalty, showing remarkable confidence and persuasion. He had a clear vision—finding a western passage to Asia—and pursued it relentlessly, even when others doubted him. That intuitive foresight, combined with his practical mindset, allowed Christopher Columbus to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. But let’s be honest: his thinking nature sometimes came at a cost. Empathy wasn’t exactly his strong suit, especially in how he treated the people he encountered.
His judging trait also stands out. Christopher Columbus liked control, structure, and results. He planned meticulously and expected outcomes on his terms. When obstacles arose—like storms, mutinies, or uncooperative crews—he doubled down rather than retreat. That kind of determination? It’s classic ENTJ. And honestly, without that relentless drive, Christopher Columbus might never have become the historical figure we still debate today.
From another angle, Christopher Columbus also lines up closely with the Enneagram Type 3—the Achiever—with a 2 wing. This means he wasn’t just chasing personal glory; he also cared about being seen as valuable and helpful, especially to powerful figures like Ferdinand and Isabella. His ambition was fueled by a desire for recognition, legacy, and success—all hallmarks of a Type 3. But the 2 wing adds nuance: he knew how to build relationships, inspire loyalty, and win supporters. It wasn’t just about fame—it was about influence, connection, and making sure the right people believed in his mission.
So whether you see Christopher Columbus as a master strategist, a charismatic leader, or a flawed visionary, one thing is clear: his actions set off a chain reaction that changed the world. And if we look at the stars—literally—Christopher Columbus was born under Scorpio, a sign known for intensity, passion, and transformation. Scorpios don’t do things halfway, and neither did Columbus. His obsession with discovery, his resilience through hardship, and his ability to navigate uncertainty all reflect core Scorpio traits. He wasn’t just sailing to find land; he was driven by a deeper purpose, a need to leave a mark.
In fact, Christopher Columbus’s entire journey mirrors the Scorpio archetype: powerful, transformative, and at times, controversial. He didn’t just explore new territories—he transformed global history. And while opinions about Christopher Columbus will likely continue to evolve, one truth remains: his name, his voyages, and his impact are woven deeply into the fabric of our shared past. Whether celebrated or scrutinized, Christopher Columbus remains a figure we can’t ignore—a man whose ambition, vision, and contradictions continue to shape how we understand exploration, power, and progress.
Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World.