Origins & Early Life

Diego Columbus (1479/1480 – February 23, 1526) was a navigator and explorer under the kings of Castile and Aragón. He served as the 2nd admiral of the Indies, 2nd viceroy of the Indies and 4th governor of the Indies as a vassal to the kings of Castile and Aragón. He was the only child of Christopher Columbus by his wife Filipa Moniz Perestrelo. He was born in Porto Santo, Portugal in 1479 or 1480.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He spent most of his adult life trying to regain the titles and privileges granted to his father for his explorations and then denied in 1500. He was greatly aided in this goal by his marriage to María de Toledo y Rojas, niece of the 2nd Duke of Alba, who was the cousin of King Ferdinand. Diego was made a page at the Spanish court in 1492, the year his father embarked on his first voyage. Diego had a younger half-brother, Fernando, by Beatriz Enríquez de Arana. Diego Columbus was taught by Christopher Columbus's mistress, Beatriz De Arana, until he transferred to the Franciscan monastery of La Rabida, at the urging of Father Juan Perez and friar Horacio Crassocius, prominent Franciscans and occasional priests to his father.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Ferdinand and Diego had been pages to Prince Don...

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