Final answer:
Christopher Columbus obtained his three ships, the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria, from Spain, setting sail in 1492 under the auspices of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, in search of a western route to Asia and other riches.
Step-by-step explanation:
Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer, received his three ships from the country of Spain. On August 3, 1492, with the support and funding of Spanish monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, he set sail on a voyage in search of a westerly route to Asia. The three ships that set sail from Spain were the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Columbus's quest was not just for exploration but also for gold, silver, spices, and other valuables, as he had been promised a title of nobility and a share in the riches. Despite believing he had reached the East Indies, Columbus had in fact landed in the New World, specifically the Bahamas, before exploring part of what is now the Greater Antilles, including Hispaniola and Cuba.