Final answer:
Christopher Columbus sailed in 1492 with three ships: a carrack named the Santa Maria and two caravels called Pinta and Niña. These were small but seaworthy vessels that reflected the maritime advancements of the period, crucial for his transatlantic voyage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main answer to the question regarding the ships Christopher Columbus sailed in 1492 is that he embarked on his voyage with three ships, which were a mix of caravels and a carrack. Specifically, Columbus's fleet consisted of one carrack, the Santa Maria, and two caravels, the Pinta and the Niña. Columbus set sail on this historic expedition on August 3, 1492, from Spain and after stopping at the Canary Islands, he sailed westward toward what he believed to be Asia.An explanation of these ships in more detail reveals that the Santa Maria was the largest ship in the fleet, yet it was only 58 feet long. The caravels, in contrast, were smaller and highly maneuverable with two or three masts. These ships were built to navigate the open seas and were well-suited for long voyages, despite their size. Columbus's misconception of the Earth's size and the layout of the continents led to his accidental discovery of the New World rather than reaching Asia as he intended.Conclusion To conclude, Columbus's voyage aboard the Santa Maria, Pinta, and Niña changed the course of history by connecting the continents and commencing European exploration and colonization in the Americas.