When Christopher Columbus returned to Spain in 1493 after his first voyage to the Americas, he was greeted with a hero's welcome. He was received by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in Barcelona, where he presented them with gifts and reports of his discoveries. He was honoured with the title of "Admiral of the Ocean Sea" and given a coat of arms. Columbus also received a substantial financial reward for his successful journey, which helped fund his second voyage. He returned to Spain several times after subsequent voyages, bringing back more treasures and reports of his explorations. Columbus's return to Spain marked the beginning of a new era of European exploration and colonization of the Americas.