The historical figure known for his adventurous explorations of the New World is Christopher Columbus. Sailing under the Spanish flag, he completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, beginning in 1492. Columbus is often credited with "discovering" America, though it is important to recognize that indigenous peoples inhabited these lands long before his arrival. His explorations led to widespread awareness of the Americas in Europe, fundamentally altering the course of history through increased exploration, colonization, and cultural exchange.