Christopher Columbus, often deemed as the iconic ‘discoverer of America,’ is a name that resonates with the spirit of adventure and exploration. He is considered as one of history’s most controversial figures. Despite the volumes written about him, there are still many surprising truths about Columbus that the general public only recently started to appreciate.
1. He Was Not a Native of England:
Though widely thought to be Italian, Columbus was actually born in the Italian city of Genoa. The error might have arisen because he later sailed under the flag of Portugal for a substantial part of his seafaring career.
2. He Never Set Foot on the Mainland USA:
Surprisingly, during his four voyages to what he thought was Asia, Columbus never reached the mainland of the United States. He only reached current day parts of the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola (modern day Dominican Republic and Haiti).
3. Columbus Never Admitted That He Had Discovered a New Continent:
In Columbus’s writings, he never once admitted to having discovered a new continent. His conviction was steadfast. He was convinced that he had found a new route to Asia.
4. Columbus Was a Businessman:
Apart from being an explorer, Columbus was also a shrewd businessman. He left Spain with a promise of the Americas’ wealth, and made a deal to receive 10% of profits resulting from the extractive activities in newly discovered lands.
5. Columbus Became Governor of the Indies:
Appointed by the Spanish monarchs, Christopher Columbus became the governor of the Indies, a position that gave him extensive powers, including rights to pardon crimes. But, his governance was characterized by brutality and mismanagement, which ultimately led to his dismissal by Spain’s King Ferdinand II.
6. Despite Failing to ‘Discover’ Asia, Columbus Inspired Other Explorers:
Though his voyages were aimed at discovering Asia, his inadvertent discovery of the Americas inspired other explorers to further investigate the ‘New World.’
7. Columbus Had Numerous Conflicts with his Crew:
Columbus’s demeanor was not without controversy. During his first voyage, he faced multiple mutinies, largely due to his insistence on reaching Asia by sailing west.
8. Columbus Was Wrong about the Earth’s Size:
Columbus dreadfully underestimated the size of the Earth. He believed it was far smaller than it actually is, leading him to conclude that he could reach Asia by sailing west.
9. Columbus Faced Four Voyages:
Columbus made a total of four voyages across the Atlantic. Yet, despite four attempts, he never actually set foot upon American soil.
10. His Final Years were Difficult:
After his four voyages, Columbus oversaw the development of Hispaniola as the governor but faced many issues, including legal battles against rival encomenderos (landowners). Columbus’s second wife died in 1506, leaving him a widower. Columbiaus died on May 20, 1506, at Moguer, Spain.
FAQs
Q: Why is Columbus viewed controversially?
A: While Columbus is generally celebrated for introducing the Americas to Europe, his governance of Hispaniola was marked by brutality, leading to severe oppression and decimation of the native population.
Q: What was the significance of Columbus’s voyages?
A: Despite mistakenly believing that he’d found a new route to Asia, Columbus’s voyages are significant because they led to enduring contact between two hemispheres, ushering a transition known as the ‘Age of Discovery.’
Q: Did Columbus and his crew see American wildlife?
A: Yes, they did. During their voyages, they had encounters with numerous unfamiliar animals such as turkeys, parrots, and even pigs.
Columbus’s life and voyages will forever remain a significant chapter in global history. Learning surprise bits about his journey provides a deeper understanding of his narrative.