What was Christopher Columbus seeking during his voyage in 1492?

Christopher Columbus was seeking a new route to Asia during his voyage in 1492. His primary goal was to find a westward passage to the riches of the East Indies, which included valuable commodities such as spices, silks, and gold. At the time, the overland trade routes to Asia were long and perilous, dominated by various empires that controlled these paths. By proposing to sail west across the Atlantic Ocean, Columbus aimed to establish a direct trade route to Asia and bypass the middlemen who complicated and increased the cost of goods traveling from the East to Europe.

His voyage ultimately led to the discovery of the Americas rather than the intended trade route to Asia. This monumental journey not only opened a new chapter in world history but also sparked further exploration and colonization efforts by European powers in the New World.