Christopher Columbus
Man and Myth
After five centuries, Columbus remains a mysterious and controversial figure who
has been variously described as one of the greatest mariners in history, a visionary
genius, a mystic, a national hero, a failed...
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Christopher Columbus
Man and Myth
After five centuries, Columbus remains a mysterious and controversial figure who
has been variously described as one of the greatest mariners in history, a visionary
genius, a mystic, a national hero, a failed administrator, a naive entrepreneur, and a
ruthless and greedy imperialist.
Columbus s 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 in geographical and theological literature.
He settled for a time in Portugal,
where he tried unsuccessfully to enlist support for his project, before moving to
Spain.
After many difficulties, through a combination of good luck and
persuasiveness, he gained the support of the Catholic monarchs, Isabel and
Fernando.
The widely published report of his voyage of 1492 made Columbus famous
throughout Europe and secured for him the title of Admiral of the Ocean Sea and
further royal patronage.
Columbus,
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