Christopher Columbus: Before the Voyage

Who actually discovered America has been a much debated topic for many centuries. Whether it was the Norsemen from the land of Scandinavia during the 10th century, the Welsh in the later part of the 12th century, the Chinese in the 5th century, or even the ancient Phoenicians of the 5th century B.C.E., Christopher Columbus is credited with probably the most famous voyage of all time. It was a voyage which would bring great wealth and glory to the kingdom that took the chance and agreed to finance Christopher Columbus’ expedition in the search of a new route to the Indies.

As a young man, Christopher Columbus had always held a fascination with the sea. After his learning of the basic educational requirements, Columbus studied in the sciences of maritime travel, learning the arts of Geometry, Astronomy, Geography, and Navigation. With this education he began his naval life, undertaking many voyages ranging from commerce to battle, occasionally commanding his own fleet of ships in battles under the flags of different nations. One such battle took place off the coast of Portugal between a fleet commanded by Columbus and Venetian ships returning from a bountiful raid. The engagement was so fierce, both ships were set ablaze and the crew and Columbus leapt into the sea and swam two leagues to the shores of Portugal.

It was here in Portugal that Christopher Columbus began his planning of the quest that would take him to the New World. King John II was a man of discovery, who had just lost his son, Prince Henry, while attempting to circumnavigate the Horn of Africa in search of a route to India. Columbus, after receiving a negative reply from his homeland of Genoa, approached the Portuguese ruler and offered the proposition of a new trade route to the Indies. King John was in favor of Columbus’ proposal and took it to his advisors for discussion. The council suggested to the King a deception where Portugal would take Columbus’ information and set out on a voyage of...