Even after five centuries, Christopher Columbus remains a figure shrouded in mystery and controversy; a persona who has been described in a variety of ways; that of one of the greatest mariners in history, a visionary genius, mystic, national hero, failed administrator, naïve entrepreneur, and a ruthless and greedy imperialist.
His enterprise to find a westward route to Asia grew out of the practical experience of a long and varied maritime career, as well as out of his considerable reading of geographical and theological literature. Initially, he tried unsuccessfully to enlist support for his project. Later, through a combination of good luck and persuasiveness, he gained support of the Spanish Monarchs. He finally broke tradition in 1492, sailing west in an attempt to find a shorter route to India and China. He based his calculations for the journey on Biblical scriptures, specifically the books of Esdras in the Apocrypha. On August 3,1492 Columbus departed from Palos, Spain, on the first of several voyages to what he later called the New World.
The final months of his life were marked by illness and vain attempts to secure restitution from King Ferdinand of all his privileges; nevertheless, by then, Columbus was quite wealthy.
His enterprise to find a westward route to Asia grew out of the practical experience of a long and varied maritime career, as well as out of his considerable reading of geographical and theological literature. Initially, he tried unsuccessfully to enlist support for his project. Later, through a combination of good luck and persuasiveness, he gained support of the Spanish Monarchs. He finally broke tradition in 1492, sailing west in an attempt to find a shorter route to India and China. He based his calculations for the journey on Biblical scriptures, specifically the books of Esdras in the Apocrypha. On August 3,1492 Columbus departed from Palos, Spain, on the first of several voyages to what he later called the New World.
The final months of his life were marked by illness and vain attempts to secure restitution from King Ferdinand of all his privileges; nevertheless, by then, Columbus was quite wealthy.
1.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment