christopher columbus voyage purpose

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Christopher Columbus

By: History.com Editors

Updated: August 11, 2023 | Original: November 9, 2009

The explorer Christopher Columbus made four trips across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain: in 1492, 1493, 1498 and 1502. He was determined to find a direct water route west from Europe to Asia, but he never did. Instead, he stumbled upon the Americas. Though he did not “discover” the so-called New World—millions of people already lived there—his journeys marked the beginning of centuries of exploration and colonization of North and South America.

Christopher Columbus and the Age of Discovery

During the 15th and 16th centuries, leaders of several European nations sponsored expeditions abroad in the hope that explorers would find great wealth and vast undiscovered lands. The Portuguese were the earliest participants in this “ Age of Discovery ,” also known as “ Age of Exploration .”

Starting in about 1420, small Portuguese ships known as caravels zipped along the African coast, carrying spices, gold and other goods as well as enslaved people from Asia and Africa to Europe.

Did you know? Christopher Columbus was not the first person to propose that a person could reach Asia by sailing west from Europe. In fact, scholars argue that the idea is almost as old as the idea that the Earth is round. (That is, it dates back to early Rome.)

Other European nations, particularly Spain, were eager to share in the seemingly limitless riches of the “Far East.” By the end of the 15th century, Spain’s “ Reconquista ”—the expulsion of Jews and Muslims out of the kingdom after centuries of war—was complete, and the nation turned its attention to exploration and conquest in other areas of the world.

Early Life and Nationality 

Christopher Columbus, the son of a wool merchant, is believed to have been born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451. When he was still a teenager, he got a job on a merchant ship. He remained at sea until 1476, when pirates attacked his ship as it sailed north along the Portuguese coast.

The boat sank, but the young Columbus floated to shore on a scrap of wood and made his way to Lisbon, where he eventually studied mathematics, astronomy, cartography and navigation. He also began to hatch the plan that would change the world forever.

Christopher Columbus' First Voyage

At the end of the 15th century, it was nearly impossible to reach Asia from Europe by land. The route was long and arduous, and encounters with hostile armies were difficult to avoid. Portuguese explorers solved this problem by taking to the sea: They sailed south along the West African coast and around the Cape of Good Hope.

But Columbus had a different idea: Why not sail west across the Atlantic instead of around the massive African continent? The young navigator’s logic was sound, but his math was faulty. He argued (incorrectly) that the circumference of the Earth was much smaller than his contemporaries believed it was; accordingly, he believed that the journey by boat from Europe to Asia should be not only possible, but comparatively easy via an as-yet undiscovered Northwest Passage . 

He presented his plan to officials in Portugal and England, but it was not until 1492 that he found a sympathetic audience: the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile .

Columbus wanted fame and fortune. Ferdinand and Isabella wanted the same, along with the opportunity to export Catholicism to lands across the globe. (Columbus, a devout Catholic, was equally enthusiastic about this possibility.)

Columbus’ contract with the Spanish rulers promised that he could keep 10 percent of whatever riches he found, along with a noble title and the governorship of any lands he should encounter.

Where Did Columbus' Ships, Niña, Pinta and Santa Maria, Land?

On August 3, 1492, Columbus and his crew set sail from Spain in three ships: the Niña , the Pinta and the Santa Maria . On October 12, the ships made landfall—not in the East Indies, as Columbus assumed, but on one of the Bahamian islands, likely San Salvador.

For months, Columbus sailed from island to island in what we now know as the Caribbean, looking for the “pearls, precious stones, gold, silver, spices, and other objects and merchandise whatsoever” that he had promised to his Spanish patrons, but he did not find much. In January 1493, leaving several dozen men behind in a makeshift settlement on Hispaniola (present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic), he left for Spain.

He kept a detailed diary during his first voyage. Christopher Columbus’s journal was written between August 3, 1492, and November 6, 1492 and mentions everything from the wildlife he encountered, like dolphins and birds, to the weather to the moods of his crew. More troublingly, it also recorded his initial impressions of the local people and his argument for why they should be enslaved.

“They… brought us parrots and balls of cotton and spears and many other things, which they exchanged for the glass beads and hawks’ bells," he wrote. "They willingly traded everything they owned… They were well-built, with good bodies and handsome features… They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took it by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance. They have no iron… They would make fine servants… With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want.”

Columbus gifted the journal to Isabella upon his return.

Christopher Columbus's Later Voyages

About six months later, in September 1493, Columbus returned to the Americas. He found the Hispaniola settlement destroyed and left his brothers Bartolomeo and Diego Columbus behind to rebuild, along with part of his ships’ crew and hundreds of enslaved indigenous people.

Then he headed west to continue his mostly fruitless search for gold and other goods. His group now included a large number of indigenous people the Europeans had enslaved. In lieu of the material riches he had promised the Spanish monarchs, he sent some 500 enslaved people to Queen Isabella. The queen was horrified—she believed that any people Columbus “discovered” were Spanish subjects who could not be enslaved—and she promptly and sternly returned the explorer’s gift.

In May 1498, Columbus sailed west across the Atlantic for the third time. He visited Trinidad and the South American mainland before returning to the ill-fated Hispaniola settlement, where the colonists had staged a bloody revolt against the Columbus brothers’ mismanagement and brutality. Conditions were so bad that Spanish authorities had to send a new governor to take over.

Meanwhile, the native Taino population, forced to search for gold and to work on plantations, was decimated (within 60 years after Columbus landed, only a few hundred of what may have been 250,000 Taino were left on their island). Christopher Columbus was arrested and returned to Spain in chains.

In 1502, cleared of the most serious charges but stripped of his noble titles, the aging Columbus persuaded the Spanish crown to pay for one last trip across the Atlantic. This time, Columbus made it all the way to Panama—just miles from the Pacific Ocean—where he had to abandon two of his four ships after damage from storms and hostile natives. Empty-handed, the explorer returned to Spain, where he died in 1506.

Legacy of Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus did not “discover” the Americas, nor was he even the first European to visit the “New World.” (Viking explorer Leif Erikson had sailed to Greenland and Newfoundland in the 11th century.)

However, his journey kicked off centuries of exploration and exploitation on the American continents. The Columbian Exchange transferred people, animals, food and disease across cultures. Old World wheat became an American food staple. African coffee and Asian sugar cane became cash crops for Latin America, while American foods like corn, tomatoes and potatoes were introduced into European diets. 

Today, Columbus has a controversial legacy —he is remembered as a daring and path-breaking explorer who transformed the New World, yet his actions also unleashed changes that would eventually devastate the native populations he and his fellow explorers encountered.

HISTORY Vault: Columbus the Lost Voyage

Ten years after his 1492 voyage, Columbus, awaiting the gallows on criminal charges in a Caribbean prison, plotted a treacherous final voyage to restore his reputation.

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The Ages of Exploration

Christopher columbus, age of discovery.

Quick Facts:

He is credited for discovering the Americas in 1492, although we know today people were there long before him; his real achievement was that he opened the door for more exploration to a New World.

Name : Christopher Columbus [Kri-stə-fər] [Kə-luhm-bəs]

Birth/Death : 1451 - 1506

Nationality : Italian

Birthplace : Genoa, Italy

Christopher Columbus leaving Palos, Spain

Christopher Columbus aboard the "Santa Maria" leaving Palos, Spain on his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. The Mariners' Museum 1933.0746.000001

Introduction We know that In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. But what did he actually discover? Christopher Columbus (also known as (Cristoforo Colombo [Italian]; Cristóbal Colón [Spanish]) was an Italian explorer credited with the “discovery” of the America’s. The purpose for his voyages was to find a passage to Asia by sailing west. Never actually accomplishing this mission, his explorations mostly included the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America, all of which were already inhabited by Native groups.

Biography Early Life Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, part of present-day Italy, in 1451. His parents’ names were Dominico Colombo and Susanna Fontanarossa. He had three brothers: Bartholomew, Giovanni, and Giacomo; and a sister named Bianchinetta. Christopher became an apprentice in his father’s wool weaving business, but he also studied mapmaking and sailing as well. He eventually left his father’s business to join the Genoese fleet and sail on the Mediterranean Sea. 1 After one of his ships wrecked off the coast of Portugal, he decided to remain there with his younger brother Bartholomew where he worked as a cartographer (mapmaker) and bookseller. Here, he married Doña Felipa Perestrello e Moniz and had two sons Diego and Fernando.

Christopher Columbus owned a copy of Marco Polo’s famous book, and it gave him a love for exploration. In the mid 15th century, Portugal was desperately trying to find a faster trade route to Asia. Exotic goods such as spices, ivory, silk, and gems were popular items of trade. However, Europeans often had to travel through the Middle East to reach Asia. At this time, Muslim nations imposed high taxes on European travels crossing through. 2 This made it both difficult and expensive to reach Asia. There were rumors from other sailors that Asia could be reached by sailing west. Hearing this, Christopher Columbus decided to try and make this revolutionary journey himself. First, he needed ships and supplies, which required money that he did not have. He went to King John of Portugal who turned him down. He then went to the rulers of England, and France. Each declined his request for funding. After seven years of trying, he was finally sponsored by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain.

Voyages Principal Voyage Columbus’ voyage departed in August of 1492 with 87 men sailing on three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María. Columbus commanded the Santa María, while the Niña was led by Vicente Yanez Pinzon and the Pinta by Martin Pinzon. 3 This was the first of his four trips. He headed west from Spain across the Atlantic Ocean. On October 12 land was sighted. He gave the first island he landed on the name San Salvador, although the native population called it Guanahani. 4 Columbus believed that he was in Asia, but was actually in the Caribbean. He even proposed that the island of Cuba was a part of China. Since he thought he was in the Indies, he called the native people “Indians.” In several letters he wrote back to Spain, he described the landscape and his encounters with the natives. He continued sailing throughout the Caribbean and named many islands he encountered after his ship, king, and queen: La Isla de Santa María de Concepción, Fernandina, and Isabella.

It is hard to determine specifically which islands Columbus visited on this voyage. His descriptions of the native peoples, geography, and plant life do give us some clues though. One place we do know he stopped was in present-day Haiti. He named the island Hispaniola. Hispaniola today includes both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In January of 1493, Columbus sailed back to Europe to report what he found. Due to rough seas, he was forced to land in Portugal, an unfortunate event for Columbus. With relations between Spain and Portugal strained during this time, Ferdinand and Isabella suspected that Columbus was taking valuable information or maybe goods to Portugal, the country he had lived in for several years. Those who stood against Columbus would later use this as an argument against him. Eventually, Columbus was allowed to return to Spain bringing with him tobacco, turkey, and some new spices. He also brought with him several natives of the islands, of whom Queen Isabella grew very fond.

Subsequent Voyages Columbus took three other similar trips to this region. His second voyage in 1493 carried a large fleet with the intention of conquering the native populations and establishing colonies. At one point, the natives attacked and killed the settlers left at Fort Navidad. Over time the colonists enslaved many of the natives, sending some to Europe and using many to mine gold for the Spanish settlers in the Caribbean. The third trip was to explore more of the islands and mainland South America further. Columbus was appointed the governor of Hispaniola, but the colonists, upset with Columbus’ leadership appealed to the rulers of Spain, who sent a new governor: Francisco de Bobadilla. Columbus was taken prisoner on board a ship and sent back to Spain.

On his fourth and final journey west in 1502 Columbus’s goal was to find the “Strait of Malacca,” to try to find India. But a hurricane, then being denied entrance to Hispaniola, and then another storm made this an unfortunate trip. His ship was so badly damaged that he and his crew were stranded on Jamaica for two years until help from Hispaniola finally arrived. In 1504, Columbus and his men were taken back to Spain .

Later Years and Death Columbus reached Spain in November 1504. He was not in good health. He spent much of the last of his life writing letters to obtain the percentage of wealth overdue to be paid to him, and trying to re-attain his governorship status, but was continually denied both. Columbus died at Valladolid on May 20, 1506, due to illness and old age. Even until death, he still firmly believing that he had traveled to the eastern part of Asia.

Legacy Columbus never made it to Asia, nor did he truly discover America. His “re-discovery,” however, inspired a new era of exploration of the American continents by Europeans. Perhaps his greatest contribution was that his voyages opened an exchange of goods between Europe and the Americas both during and long after his journeys. 5 Despite modern criticism of his treatment of the native peoples there is no denying that his expeditions changed both Europe and America. Columbus day was made a federal holiday in 1971. It is recognized on the second Monday of October.

• Fergus Fleming, Off the Map: Tales of Endurance and Exploration (New York: Grove Press, 2004), 30.
• Fleming, Off the Map, 30
• William D. Phillips and Carla Rahn Phillips, The Worlds of Christopher Columbus (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993), 142-143.
• Phillips and Phillips, The Worlds of Christopher Columbus, 155.
• Robin S. Doak, Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World (Minneapolis: Compass Point Books, 2005), 92.

Bibliography

Doak, Robin. Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World. Minneapolis: Compass Point Books, 2005.

Fleming, Fergus. Off the Map: Tales of Endurance and Exploration. New York: Grove Press, 2004.

Phillips, William D., and Carla Rahn Phillips. The Worlds of Christopher Columbus. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Map of Voyages

Click below to view an example of the explorer’s voyages. Use the tabs on the left to view either 1 or multiple journeys at a time, and click on the icons to learn more about the stops, sites, and activities along the way.

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History Resources

Columbus reports on his first voyage, 1493

A spotlight on a primary source by christopher columbus.

On August 3, 1492, Columbus set sail from Spain to find an all-water route to Asia. On October 12, more than two months later, Columbus landed on an island in the Bahamas that he called San Salvador; the natives called it Guanahani.

For nearly five months, Columbus explored the Caribbean, particularly the islands of Juana (Cuba) and Hispaniola (Santo Domingo), before returning to Spain. He left thirty-nine men to build a settlement called La Navidad in present-day Haiti. He also kidnapped several Native Americans (between ten and twenty-five) to take back to Spain—only eight survived. Columbus brought back small amounts of gold as well as native birds and plants to show the richness of the continent he believed to be Asia.

When Columbus arrived back in Spain on March 15, 1493, he immediately wrote a letter announcing his discoveries to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, who had helped finance his trip. The letter was written in Spanish and sent to Rome, where it was printed in Latin by Stephan Plannck. Plannck mistakenly left Queen Isabella’s name out of the pamphlet’s introduction but quickly realized his error and reprinted the pamphlet a few days later. The copy shown here is the second, corrected edition of the pamphlet.

The Latin printing of this letter announced the existence of the American continent throughout Europe. “I discovered many islands inhabited by numerous people. I took possession of all of them for our most fortunate King by making public proclamation and unfurling his standard, no one making any resistance,” Columbus wrote.

In addition to announcing his momentous discovery, Columbus’s letter also provides observations of the native people’s culture and lack of weapons, noting that “they are destitute of arms, which are entirely unknown to them, and for which they are not adapted; not on account of any bodily deformity, for they are well made, but because they are timid and full of terror.” Writing that the natives are “fearful and timid . . . guileless and honest,” Columbus declares that the land could easily be conquered by Spain, and the natives “might become Christians and inclined to love our King and Queen and Princes and all the people of Spain.”

An English translation of this document is available.

I have determined to write you this letter to inform you of everything that has been done and discovered in this voyage of mine.

On the thirty-third day after leaving Cadiz I came into the Indian Sea, where I discovered many islands inhabited by numerous people. I took possession of all of them for our most fortunate King by making public proclamation and unfurling his standard, no one making any resistance. The island called Juana, as well as the others in its neighborhood, is exceedingly fertile. It has numerous harbors on all sides, very safe and wide, above comparison with any I have ever seen. Through it flow many very broad and health-giving rivers; and there are in it numerous very lofty mountains. All these island are very beautiful, and of quite different shapes; easy to be traversed, and full of the greatest variety of trees reaching to the stars. . . .

In the island, which I have said before was called Hispana , there are very lofty and beautiful mountains, great farms, groves and fields, most fertile both for cultivation and for pasturage, and well adapted for constructing buildings. The convenience of the harbors in this island, and the excellence of the rivers, in volume and salubrity, surpass human belief, unless on should see them. In it the trees, pasture-lands and fruits different much from those of Juana. Besides, this Hispana abounds in various kinds of species, gold and metals. The inhabitants . . . are all, as I said before, unprovided with any sort of iron, and they are destitute of arms, which are entirely unknown to them, and for which they are not adapted; not on account of any bodily deformity, for they are well made, but because they are timid and full of terror. . . . But when they see that they are safe, and all fear is banished, they are very guileless and honest, and very liberal of all they have. No one refuses the asker anything that he possesses; on the contrary they themselves invite us to ask for it. They manifest the greatest affection towards all of us, exchanging valuable things for trifles, content with the very least thing or nothing at all. . . . I gave them many beautiful and pleasing things, which I had brought with me, for no return whatever, in order to win their affection, and that they might become Christians and inclined to love our King and Queen and Princes and all the people of Spain; and that they might be eager to search for and gather and give to us what they abound in and we greatly need.

Questions for Discussion

Read the document introduction and transcript in order to answer these questions.

• Columbus described the Natives he first encountered as “timid and full of fear.” Why did he then capture some Natives and bring them aboard his ships?
• Imagine the thoughts of the Europeans as they first saw land in the “New World.” What do you think would have been their most immediate impression? Explain your answer.
• Which of the items Columbus described would have been of most interest to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella? Why?
• Why did Columbus describe the islands and their inhabitants in great detail?
• It is said that this voyage opened the period of the “Columbian Exchange.” Why do you think that term has been attached to this period of time?

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Christopher Columbus

He's famous for 'discovering the new world', but did Columbus actually set foot in North America?

Explorer Christopher Columbus (1451–1506) is known for his 1492 ‘discovery’ of the 'new world' of the Americas on board his ship Santa Maria .

In actual fact, Columbus did not discover North America. He was the first European to sight the Bahamas archipelago and then the island later named Hispaniola, now split into Haiti and the Dominican Republic. On his subsequent voyages he went farther south, to Central and South America. He never got close to what is now called the United States.

Where was Christopher Columbus born?

Columbus was born in the Italian seaport of Genoa in 1451, to a family of wool weavers. He went to sea from an early age, and was an experienced sailor by his twenties.

In 1476 Columbus moved to Lisbon, Portugal, and for many years attempted to gain support for a journey he was planning to find new trade routes to the Far East. Eventually Ferdinand and Isabella, the King and Queen of Spain, agreed to finance him.

What did Columbus aim to do?

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Europeans wanted to find sea routes to the Far East. Columbus wanted to find a new route to India, China, Japan and the Spice Islands. If he could reach these lands, he would be able to bring back rich cargoes of silks and spices. Columbus knew that the world was round and realised that by sailing west – instead of east around the coast of Africa, as other explorers at the time were doing – he would still reach his destination.

What ships did he use?

In 1492 Columbus set sail from Palos in Spain with three ships. Two, the Nina and the Pinta, were caravels – small ships with triangular sails. The third, the Santa Maria , was a nao – a larger square-rigged ship. The ships were small, between 15 and 36 metres long. Between them they carried about 90 men.

What did he discover?

After sailing across the Atlantic Ocean for 10 weeks, land was sighted by a sailor called Rodrigo Bernajo (although Columbus himself took the credit for this). He landed on a small island in the Bahamas, which he named San Salvador. He claimed the island for the King and Queen of Spain, although it was already populated.

Columbus called all the people he met in the islands ‘Indians’, because he was sure that he had reached the Indies. This initial encounter opened up the 'New World' to European colonisation, which would come to have a devastating impact on indigenous populations.

What was the return journey like?

On Christmas Day 1492, the Santa Maria hit a rock and was wrecked. Columbus transferred to the Nina and left behind the 39 crewmembers of the Santa Maria on the island of Hispaniola. He wanted them to start a new settlement. Columbus reached Spain in March 1493, and claimed his reward in riches. He was also given new titles. He was made Admiral of the Ocean Sea and Governor of the Indies.

What other journeys did Columbus make?

Columbus made three more journeys across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. He was sure that he had found Cipangu (Japan), but it was actually Cuba. He visited Trinidad and the South American mainland before returning to the ill-fated Hispaniola settlement, where the ‘Indian’ inhabitants had staged a revolt against the Europeans.

Conditions were so bad that Spanish authorities had to send a new governor to take over. Columbus was arrested, returned to Spain and stripped of his titles. He did make one last voyage to the Americas, however, this time to Panama – just miles from the Pacific Ocean.

What is Columbus’s legacy?

Columbus died in 1506, still believing that he had found a new route to the East Indies. Today his historic legacy as a daring explorer who discovered the New World has been challenged. His voyages launched centuries of European exploration and colonisation of the American continents. His encounters also triggered centuries of exploitation of Indigenous Peoples.

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What Is The Purpose Of Christopher Columbus’s Voyage?

Published: December 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Vonny Gosnell

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Introduction

When it comes to the history of exploration, Christopher Columbus is a name that is etched in the annals of time. His voyage in 1492 is widely celebrated as a major milestone in human exploration, forever changing the course of history. But what was the purpose behind Columbus’s journey? What motivated him to set sail across the Atlantic Ocean into the unknown?

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer, navigator, and colonizer born in Genoa in 1451. During the 15th century, Europe was gripped by a fervent desire to explore new lands and establish trade routes to the prosperous regions of Asia. Columbus, like many others at the time, believed that he could reach Asia by sailing westward instead of the traditional eastward route.

This article delves into the various motivations that drove Christopher Columbus to undertake his legendary voyage. From the quest for a new trade route to the desire to spread Christianity, explore the thirst for fame and glory, and examine the role of sponsorship, we will unravel the layers of purpose behind Columbus’s journey. We will also touch upon the impact of his voyage and the controversies that surround his legacy.

Join us on this fascinating exploration as we seek answers to the question: What was the purpose of Christopher Columbus’s voyage?

Background of Christopher Columbus

Before diving into the motivations behind his voyage, it is essential to understand the background of Christopher Columbus. Born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451, Columbus hailed from a humble family of weavers. Despite his modest beginnings, he possessed a burning curiosity and an insatiable thirst for exploration.

Columbus’s interest in navigation and exploration was sparked at a young age. He spent his early years at sea, soaking up knowledge and honing his skills as a sailor. His voyages took him to various parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean, allowing him to gain invaluable experience and navigational expertise.

During his travels, Columbus became acquainted with the prevailing theories of his time, which suggested that there might be a shorter route to the riches of Asia by sailing west instead of the traditional eastward route. Inspired by these ideas and armed with navigational knowledge, Columbus was determined to explore this possibility.

In addition to his seafaring experience, Columbus also possessed a deep knowledge of geography and cartography. He studied the works of renowned scholars, such as Ptolemy and Toscanelli, who hypothesized that the Earth was round and that Asia could be reached by sailing west.

Driven by a passion for discovery and a desire to prove the theories of these scholars, Columbus dedicated his life to securing sponsorship and support for his ambitious expedition. Little did he know that his journey would forever alter the course of history and usher in a new era of exploration.

With this understanding of Christopher Columbus’s background, let us now explore the motivations that compelled him to embark on his momentous voyage.

The Motivation behind Columbus’s Voyage

Christopher Columbus’s decision to embark on his historic voyage was fueled by a combination of multiple motivations. These include the quest for a new trade route to Asia, the desire to spread Christianity, and the pursuit of fame and glory.

These motivations, overlapping and intertwined, fueled Columbus’s determination to secure sponsorship for his voyage and ultimately set sail into the unknown. In the next sections, we will examine how these motivations manifested in the preparations, sponsorship, and impact of Columbus’s voyage.

Seeking a New Trade Route to Asia

One of the primary motivations behind Christopher Columbus’s voyage was the quest for a new trade route to Asia. In the 15th century, European nations were eager to bypass the cumbersome and expensive Silk Road, which stretched across the vast expanse of Asia, in search of a direct path to the lucrative markets of the East.

The Silk Road was a series of ancient trade routes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Controlled by middlemen and subject to heavy taxes and political instability, this overland route posed numerous challenges to European traders. Different powers vied for control over the lucrative trade, resulting in conflicts and changing alliances that disrupted the flow of goods.

Columbus, inspired by the theories of renowned scholars, believed that by sailing westward, he could reach Asia more quickly and establish a direct sea route. His reasoning was based on the assumption that the Earth was round, and that by travelling west, he would eventually circumnavigate the globe and arrive at Asia from the opposite side.

To finance his voyage, Columbus saw great potential in securing sponsorship from European monarchs and wealthy merchants. He envisioned that, by discovering a new maritime route to Asia, he would guarantee his sponsors significant economic advantages over their competitors. Direct access to the plentiful resources and exotic goods of Asia, such as spices, silk, and precious metals, would eliminate the need for arduous overland journeys and allow for greater control over trade.

It is important to note that Columbus was not alone in his pursuit of a new trade route. In fact, during the 15th century, numerous explorers and navigators were venturing into the uncharted waters of the Atlantic Ocean in search of a western passage to Asia. However, it was Columbus who successfully secured sponsorship from the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, and set in motion the expedition that would forever change history.

Ultimately, while Columbus’s voyage did not lead him to the riches of Asia as he had hoped, it did open the door to a new era of exploration and colonization. His accidental discovery of the Americas would go on to reshape world trade, colonization, and cultural exchange, transforming the global landscape in ways that could never have been foreseen.

Spreading Christianity

Another significant motivation behind Christopher Columbus’s voyage was the desire to spread Christianity. During the 15th century, the Catholic Church held immense power and influence in Europe, and the fervor for spreading the Christian faith was at its zenith. Explorers like Columbus saw their voyages as opportunities to bring Christianity to new lands and expand the reach of the Catholic Church.

Columbus firmly believed that by reaching Asia, or what he believed to be Asia, he could introduce the native inhabitants to the teachings of Christianity. He saw himself as a messenger of God, carrying out a divine mission to convert non-believers and save souls. Columbus’s religious conviction was so strong that he believed the completion of his voyage would fulfill a biblical prophecy and set the stage for the Second Coming of Christ.

This religious zeal was also intertwined with the prevailing sentiment of the time, which viewed the expansion of Christianity as a just and noble cause. The Catholic Church had been deeply affected by the Protestant Reformation, and there was a renewed urgency to reclaim lost territories and bring recalcitrant souls back into the fold.

Moreover, the promise of converting indigenous peoples to Christianity had broader political, economic, and cultural implications. The conversion of native populations would establish the influence of European powers in these newly discovered lands. It would also facilitate the spread of European customs, laws, and governance, creating a sense of cultural dominance over the conquered territories.

However, the reality of the encounters between Columbus and the indigenous peoples of the Americas was far more complex. The native populations had their own well-established belief systems, cultures, and customs that differed greatly from European Christianity. The interactions between the two often resulted in clashes and misunderstandings, leading to the imposition of European values and the erosion of native traditions.

It is essential to note that the motives behind spreading Christianity were not solely altruistic. Alongside religious fervor, there was a desire for control and domination over new lands. The Catholic Church and European powers saw the conversion of indigenous peoples as a means of subjugating them to European authority and exploiting their resources.

Ultimately, the impact of Columbus’s voyage on the spread of Christianity was complex and multifaceted. While his journey did introduce Christianity to some parts of the Americas, it also had far-reaching consequences that would profoundly affect the cultural and religious landscape of the newly discovered continents.

Fame and Glory

Alongside the pursuit of economic gain and the spread of Christianity, the pursuit of fame and glory was a significant motivation behind Christopher Columbus’s voyage. In the 15th century, exploration and discovery were highly revered, and those who embarked on successful expeditions were celebrated as heroes and revered for their accomplishments.

Columbus, driven by a deep desire for recognition, saw his voyage as an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on history and secure a place among the great explorers of his time. He yearned for the fame and glory that came with charting new territories, discovering new lands, and proving himself to be an exceptional navigator.

During the Age of Discovery, explorers who ventured into unknown waters and made significant discoveries were often rewarded with titles, wealth, and recognition from monarchs and other influential figures. These accolades elevated their status and ensured their place in history books.

Columbus’s expectation of the wealth and recognition that would come from his successful expedition fueled his determination. He believed that by finding a new trade route to Asia, he would not only acquire vast riches for himself and his sponsors but also garner praise and admiration from rulers and the general public.

However, it is important to note that Columbus’s desire for fame and glory was not solely personal. The prestige associated with successful voyages attracted sponsors who were willing to finance such expeditions. The promise of wealth and recognition motivated powerful patrons, such as Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, to back Columbus’s venture, as they saw it as an opportunity to raise their own status and expand their empire.

While Columbus did achieve fame and recognition, the legacy of his voyage is complex. His accidental discovery of the Americas, while significant, would be followed by controversial actions and subsequent expeditions that would tarnish his reputation. Nonetheless, Columbus’s fame and the impact of his voyage laid the foundation for future explorations, colonization, and the establishment of European empires in the New World.

In the end, Columbus’s aspirations for fame and glory, intertwined with economic ambitions and the spread of Christianity, propelled him to set sail into the unknown and shape the course of history.

The Role of Sponsorship

The success of Christopher Columbus’s voyage would not have been possible without the crucial role played by sponsorship. Columbus’s ambitious expedition required significant financial support, resources, and political backing to become a reality.

Securing sponsorship for his voyage was an arduous task for Columbus. He faced numerous rejections and setbacks before finally finding support from the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. Their sponsorship provided Columbus with the necessary funding, ships, and crew to embark on his monumental journey.

The motivation behind the Catholic Monarchs’ sponsorship was multifaceted. Firstly, they hoped to establish new trade routes to rival those controlled by their European rivals, especially Portugal. By financing Columbus’s voyage, they saw an opportunity to gain an economic advantage and expand their wealth and influence.

Additionally, the sponsorship was partially driven by religious fervor. Ferdinand and Isabella were fervent Catholics, and spreading Christianity was a deeply ingrained goal of their reign. They saw Columbus’s voyage as a means to extend the influence of the Catholic Church, convert indigenous populations to Christianity, and cement their Christian legacy.

Sponsorship also offered political advantages. By supporting Columbus, the Catholic Monarchs aimed to assert their dominance over other European powers by claiming new territories and resources. They hoped to establish Spanish sovereignty in the lands that Columbus would discover, securing their place as leaders in the Age of Exploration.

It is important to note that sponsorship was not limited to the Catholic Monarchs alone. Columbus’s journey was made possible through the support of various individuals and entities, including wealthy merchants and influential backers who believed in the potential profitability and prestige associated with exploration.

The sponsorship provided by these individuals and institutions went beyond monetary support. It included the provision of ships, supplies, and scientific instruments needed for the voyage. Sponsorship often came with certain expectations and demands, such as granting the sponsors a share in any newfound wealth or securing territorial claims as a result of the expedition.

The role of sponsorship in Columbus’s voyage cannot be overstated. Without the financial backing and resources provided by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain and other sponsors, Columbus’s expedition may have remained a mere dream. Their support transformed Columbus’s vision into a reality and enabled him to embark on his historic journey, forever reshaping the world we know today.

The Impact of Columbus’s Voyage

Christopher Columbus’s voyage in 1492 had a profound and far-reaching impact on the world. While his initial intent was to find a new trade route to Asia, his accidental discovery of the Americas dramatically altered the course of history, leading to significant consequences and transformations.

One of the most notable impacts of Columbus’s voyage was the opening of the Americas to European exploration, colonization, and exploitation. While various indigenous civilizations had thrived in the Americas for thousands of years, Columbus’s arrival marked the beginning of a new era characterized by European domination and the establishment of colonial empires.

The discovery of the New World had immense implications for global trade and economics. It sparked a period of intense exploration and colonization as European powers sought to claim territories and access the vast resources of the Americas. This led to the establishment of transatlantic trade routes and the exchange of goods, animals, crops, and diseases between the Old World and the New World, an event known as the Columbian Exchange. The Columbian Exchange had a significant impact on both hemispheres, transforming agriculture, introducing new crops and livestock, and reshaping cultures and societies.

The arrival of Europeans also had devastating consequences for the indigenous populations of the Americas. The spread of European diseases, to which the native populations had no immunity, resulted in the decimation of millions of indigenous peoples. Conflicts and forced labor further contributed to the decline of indigenous civilizations and the imposition of European dominance.

Furthermore, Columbus’s voyage set in motion centuries of European exploration and colonization, resulting in the establishment of vast colonial empires, including those of Spain, Portugal, Britain, France, and the Netherlands. These empires had a profound impact on the political, economic, and cultural landscapes of both the Americas and Europe.

While the long-term consequences of Columbus’s voyage are subject to ongoing debate and scrutiny, there is no denying its significance in shaping the modern world. It opened up new horizons of exploration, transformed global trade and economies, initiated a period of colonial domination, and forever changed the interconnectedness of societies.

Today, the legacy of Columbus’s voyage is complex. It is celebrated as a vital moment in history but is also met with criticism for the negative impacts it had on indigenous peoples and their cultures. The recognition of these complexities prompts us to reflect on and learn from the past, in order to strive for a more inclusive, equitable, and just future.

Controversies Surrounding Columbus’s Purpose

The purpose behind Christopher Columbus’s voyage has been the subject of much controversy and debate throughout history. While Columbus is often celebrated as a great explorer, his motivations and the effects of his actions have come under scrutiny, leading to a reevaluation of his legacy.

One of the primary controversies surrounding Columbus’s purpose is his role in the European colonization of the Americas. While Columbus intended to find a new trade route to Asia, his accidental discovery of the Americas led to the colonization, exploitation, and subjugation of indigenous peoples. This has raised questions about the true intentions behind his voyage and whether he can be viewed as a heroic figure or an agent of European imperialism.

Furthermore, the manner in which Columbus and subsequent European explorers interacted with the indigenous populations has been heavily critiqued. The violence, forced labor, and diseases brought by the Europeans resulted in the devastation of native civilizations and the loss of millions of lives. This has sparked debates about the ethics of exploration and the detrimental impact of Columbus’s actions on the native peoples and their cultures.

There are also disputes about Columbus’s adherence to his stated purpose. Some argue that his primary focus was on personal gain and acquiring wealth rather than reaching Asia or spreading Christianity. They claim that his journey was driven by a desire for fame, fortune, and establishing his own legacy, rather than purely noble intentions.

Additionally, Columbus’s own writings and the accounts of those who accompanied him reveal a darker side of his character. Reports of his mistreatment of indigenous peoples, including enslavement and brutal punishments, have marred his reputation. These controversies challenge the heroic narrative often associated with Columbus and force a critical reexamination of his character and conduct.

The controversies surrounding Columbus’s purpose have led to ongoing discussions about how he and other explorers should be remembered and acknowledged in history. There have been calls for a more comprehensive and balanced narrative that acknowledges the negative consequences of exploration and the importance of indigenous perspectives. This has prompted efforts to recognize the Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an alternative to Columbus Day in some places, seeking to honor and celebrate the rich cultures and contributions of the native peoples.

While there may be differing opinions on Columbus’s purpose, it is undeniable that his voyage had significant and lasting effects on the world. The controversies surrounding his motivations serve as a reminder of the complexities of history and the need for a nuanced understanding of the impact of exploration and colonization.

Christopher Columbus’s voyage in 1492 marked a pivotal moment in human history. His motivations were multifaceted, driven by a desire to find a new trade route to Asia, spread Christianity, and achieve fame and glory. Columbus’s journey, however, had far-reaching impacts that were both transformative and controversial.

His accidental discovery of the Americas opened up a new era of exploration, colonization, and exchange between the hemispheres. It led to the establishment of colonial empires, reshaped global trade and economies through the Columbian Exchange, and forever altered the cultural and political landscapes of the world.

However, the consequences of Columbus’s voyage were not without their controversies. The colonization and exploitation of indigenous populations, forced labor, and the devastating impact of European diseases sparked debates about the ethics of exploration, the true motivations behind Columbus’s journey, and the consequences of his actions. Columbus’s legacy has been reevaluated, with a focus on the voices and perspectives of the indigenous peoples who were profoundly affected by his arrival in the Americas.

It is essential to acknowledge the complexities of history and the need for a balanced understanding of Columbus’s purpose and impact. While his voyage played a crucial role in shaping the modern world, it is essential to confront the darker aspects of his legacy. This requires critical examination, recognizing both the achievements and the detrimental consequences of his actions.

The controversies surrounding Columbus’s purpose serve as a reminder of the responsibility to address historical narratives with nuanced perspectives, inclusivity, and sensitivity. The ongoing discussions and reevaluation of Columbus’s voyage also emphasize the importance of recognizing and honoring the history, cultures, and contributions of the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

In conclusion, Christopher Columbus’s voyage was driven by a combination of economic ambitions, religious fervor, and personal aspirations for fame and glory. While his achievements in exploration cannot be denied, the impact of his actions and the controversies that surround his purpose underscore the need to critically analyze history, embrace diverse perspectives, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable understanding of the past and its ramifications on the present.

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How Christopher Columbus used a lunar eclipse to his advantage

O ver the next three weeks, this column will look at some fascinating historic — and future — true stories involving eclipses to get everyone intrigued and excited for the solar eclipse coming April 8. Here is our first true story.  

Throughout history, eclipses have been pivotal in shaping events, cultures, and scientific understanding. For instance, the ancient Greek historian Herodotus wrote of a solar eclipse that abruptly halted a battle between the Lydians and the Medes, leading to peace talks. That eclipse had a great and positive impact. 

And then there are stories that have a happy ending for just some of those involved. In this historical example, Christopher Columbus used his knowledge of a lunar eclipse to manipulate indigenous peoples in the Caribbean. Let’s take a look at what happened.  

In 1504, Christopher Columbus and his crew faced a dire situation in Jamaica. Their voyage had come to an unexpected halt as their ships, battered and no longer able to safely float, trapped them far from home.

With their vessels in disrepair and stranded on foreign shores, the situation was becoming increasingly desperate, requiring an ingenious solution to secure their survival and eventual return. They needed food and supplies badly but the local people, who had been friendly at first, were getting tired of helping them. Columbus needed a plan to convince them to help again. 

Columbus knew a lot about the stars and the sky. He remembered reading about lunar eclipses, which is when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, making the moon look dark and sometimes red. An eclipse was going to happen soon, and Columbus had an idea.

He called a meeting with the leaders of the local people. He told them he had a message from his god: because they weren't helping his crew, he would make the moon disappear as a warning. The leaders were unsure, but agreed to watch. 

On the night of the eclipse, everyone was watching the sky. Slowly, the moon started to disappear, covered by Earth's shadow, and it turned a spooky shade of red. People were amazed and scared. They thought Columbus really did have the power to take away the moon! 

Seeing their fear, Columbus went back to his cabin, pretending to talk to his god. After a while, he came out and announced his god had listened to his pleas. The moon would come back if they promised to help him and his crew. As the Earth's shadow moved away and the moon started to shine again, everyone sighed with relief. 

The local people, impressed and a bit scared by Columbus's "power," quickly agreed to give him the supplies he needed. Columbus's trick worked perfectly. He used his knowledge about eclipses to turn a tough situation into a win for his crew. 

This story shows how understanding science can sometimes give you a big advantage. Columbus's clever use of the lunar eclipse not only got him the help he needed, but also left a story people would talk about for centuries. It was a mix of smart thinking, a bit of acting, and a lot of help from the moon! 

However, recent reflections on history have illuminated that Columbus was not always the heroic explorer once universally celebrated. Accounts and historical evidence suggest his interactions with indigenous people were often cruel.

This incident of using a lunar eclipse to trick the locals into supplying his crew adds another layer to the complex legacy of Columbus, blending scientific knowledge with moral trickery.  

Mike Szydlowski is a science teacher and zoo facilitator at Jefferson STEAM School.

TIME FOR A POP QUIZ

What significant event involving an eclipse occurred between the Lydians and the Medes?

How did Christopher Columbus use his knowledge of a lunar eclipse in 1504?  

What is the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse?  

How did the local people react to the lunar eclipse manipulated by Columbus? 

What lesson can we learn from Columbus' use of the lunar eclipse?

LAST WEEK'S QUIZ ANSWERS

What caused the extinction of woolly mammoths?   

Woolly mammoths went extinct due to climate change and hunting by early humans, which reduced their habitats and food sources. 

How are scientists working to bring back woolly mammoths?

Scientists are using genetic engineering and special stem cells from the Asian elephant to recreate traits that allowed woolly mammoths to survive in Arctic conditions. 

Why is the de-extinction of woolly mammoths significant for elephant conservation?

The techniques developed for mammoth de-extinction could help in creating and fertilizing reproductive cells artificially, offering new methods for conserving endangered elephant species. 

What other extinct animals are scientists considering for de-extinction?

Scientists are also exploring the de-extinction of the passenger pigeon, the dodo, and the Tasmanian tiger, among others. 

What are the ethical and ecological considerations of de-extinction?

De-extinction raises questions about the habitats and roles of resurrected species in modern ecosystems. 

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: How Christopher Columbus used a lunar eclipse to his advantage

The Third Voyage of Christopher Columbus

Artem Dunaev / EyeEm / Getty Images 

• History Before Columbus
• Colonialism and Imperialism
• Caribbean History
• Central American History
• South American History
• Mexican History
• American History
• African American History
• African History
• Ancient History and Culture
• Asian History
• European History
• Medieval & Renaissance History
• Military History
• The 20th Century
• Women's History
• Ph.D., Spanish, Ohio State University
• M.A., Spanish, University of Montana
• B.A., Spanish, Penn State University

After his famous 1492 voyage of discovery , Christopher Columbus was commissioned to return a second time, which he did with a large-scale colonization effort which departed from Spain in 1493. Although the second journey had many problems, it was considered successful because a settlement was founded: it would eventually become Santo Domingo , capital of the present-day Dominican Republic. Columbus served as governor during his stay in the islands. The settlement needed supplies, however, so Columbus returned to Spain in 1496.

Preparations for the Third Voyage

Columbus reported to the crown upon his return from the New World. He was dismayed to learn that his patrons, Ferdinand and Isabella , would not allow enslaved people from the newly discovered lands to be used as payment. As he had found little gold or precious commodities for which to trade, he had been counting on selling enslaved people to make his voyages lucrative. The King and Queen of Spain allowed Columbus to organize a third trip to the New World with the goal of resupplying the colonists and continuing the search for a new trade route to the Orient.

The Fleet Splits

Upon departure from Spain in May of 1498, Columbus split his fleet of six ships: three would make for Hispaniola immediately to bring desperately needed supplies, while the other three would aim for points south of the already explored Caribbean to search for more land and perhaps even the route to the Orient that Columbus still believed to be there. Columbus himself captained the latter ships, being at heart an explorer and not a governor.

Doldrums and Trinidad

Columbus’ bad luck on the third voyage began almost immediately. After making slow progress from Spain, his fleet hit the doldrums, which is a calm, hot stretch of ocean with little or no wind. Columbus and his men spent several days battling heat and thirst with no wind to propel their ships. After a while, the wind returned and they were able to continue. Columbus veered to the north, because the ships were low on water and he wanted to resupply in the familiar Caribbean. On July 31, they sighted an island, which Columbus named Trinidad. They were able to resupply there and continue exploring.

Sighting South America

For the first two weeks of August 1498, Columbus and his small fleet explored the Gulf of Paria, which separates Trinidad from mainland South America. In the process of this exploration, they discovered the Island of Margarita as well as several smaller islands. They also discovered the mouth of the Orinoco River. Such a mighty freshwater river could only be found on a continent, not an island, and the increasingly religious Columbus concluded that he had found the site of the Garden of Eden. Columbus fell ill around this time and ordered the fleet to head to Hispaniola, which they reached on August 19.

Back in Hispaniola

In the roughly two years since Columbus had been gone, the settlement on Hispaniola had seen some rough times. Supplies and tempers were short and the vast wealth that Columbus had promised settlers while arranging the second voyage had failed to appear. Columbus had been a poor governor during his brief tenure (1494–1496) and the colonists were not happy to see him. The settlers complained bitterly, and Columbus had to hang a few of them in order to stabilize the situation. Realizing that he needed help governing the unruly and hungry settlers, Columbus sent to Spain for assistance. It was also here where Antonio de Montesinos is remembered to have given an impassioned and impactful sermon.

Francisco de Bobadilla

Responding to rumors of strife and poor governance on the part of Columbus and his brothers, the Spanish crown sent Francisco de Bobadilla to Hispaniola in 1500. Bobadilla was a nobleman and a knight of the Calatrava order, and he was given broad powers by the Spanish crown, superseding those of Colombus. The crown needed to rein in the unpredictable Colombus and his brothers, who in addition to being tyrannical governors were also suspected of improperly gathering wealth. In 2005, a document was found in the Spanish archives: it contains first-hand accounts of the abuses of Columbus and his brothers.

Columbus Imprisoned

Bobadilla arrived in August 1500, with 500 men and a handful of native people that Columbus had brought to Spain on a previous voyage to enslave; they were to be freed by royal decree. Bobadilla found the situation as bad as he had heard. Columbus and Bobadilla clashed: because there was little love for Columbus among the settlers, Bobadilla was able to clap him and his brothers in chains and throw them in a dungeon. In October 1500, the three Columbus brothers were sent back to Spain, still in shackles. From getting stuck in the doldrums to being shipped back to Spain as a prisoner, Columbus’ Third Voyage was a fiasco.

Aftermath and Importance

Back in Spain, Columbus was able to talk his way out of trouble: he and his brothers were freed after spending only a few weeks in prison.

After the first voyage, Columbus had been granted a series of important titles and concessions. He was appointed Governor and Viceroy of the newly discovered lands and was given the title of Admiral, which would pass to his heirs. By 1500, the Spanish crown was beginning to regret this decision, as Columbus had proven to be a very poor governor and the lands he had discovered had the potential to be extremely lucrative. If the terms of his original contract were honored, the Columbus family would eventually siphon off a great deal of wealth from the crown.

Although he was freed from prison and most of his lands and wealth were restored, this incident gave the crown the excuse they needed to strip Columbus of some of the costly concessions that they had originally agreed to. Gone were the positions of Governor and Viceroy and the profits were reduced as well. Columbus’ children later fought for the privileges conceded to Columbus with mixed success, and legal wrangling between the Spanish crown and the Columbus family over these rights would continue for some time. Columbus’ son Diego would eventually serve for a time as Governor of Hispaniola due to the terms of these agreements.

The disaster that was the third voyage essentially brought to a close the Columbus Era in the New World. While other explorers, such as Amerigo Vespucci , believed that Columbus had found previously unknown lands, he stubbornly held to the claim that he had found the eastern edge of Asia and that he would soon find the markets of India, China, and Japan. Although many at court believed Columbus to be mad, he was able to put together a fourth voyage , which if anything was a bigger disaster than the third one.

The fall of Columbus and his family in the New World created a power vacuum, and the King and Queen of Spain quickly filled it with Nicolás de Ovando, a Spanish nobleman who was appointed governor. Ovando was a cruel but effective governor who ruthlessly wiped out native settlements and continued the exploration of the New World, setting the stage for the Age of Conquest.

Herring, Hubert. A History of Latin America From the Beginnings to the Present. . New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1962

Thomas, Hugh. Rivers of Gold: The Rise of the Spanish Empire, from Columbus to Magellan. New York: Random House, 2005.

• Biography of Christopher Columbus
• The Second Voyage of Christopher Columbus
• Biography of Christopher Columbus, Italian Explorer
• 10 Facts About Christopher Columbus
• The Fourth Voyage of Christopher Columbus
• The First New World Voyage of Christopher Columbus (1492)
• Biography of Juan Ponce de León, Conquistador
• Where Are the Remains of Christopher Columbus?
• Biography of Bartolomé de Las Casas, Spanish Colonist
• Biography of Hernando Cortez
• Explorers and Discoverers
• Biography of Diego Velazquez de Cuellar, Conquistador
• Amerigo Vespucci, Explorer and Navigator
• A Timeline of North American Exploration: 1492–1585
• The Florida Expeditions of Ponce de Leon
• Biography of Hernán Cortés, Ruthless Conquistador

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March 25, 2024

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'The ghost has taken the spirit of the moon': how Torres Strait Islanders predict eclipses

by Duane Hamacher and David Bosun, The Conversation

It's eclipse season. The sun, Earth and moon are aligned so it's possible for the Earth and moon to cast each other into shadow.

A faint lunar eclipse will occur on March 25, visible at dusk from Australia and eastern Asia, at dawn from western Africa and Europe, and for much of the night from the Americas. Two weeks later, on April 8, a total solar eclipse will sweep across North America.

These events are a good time to think about an infamous incident 520 years ago, in which an eclipse prediction was supposedly used to exploit an Indigenous population. The incident has shaped how we think about astronomy and Indigenous cultures—but the real story is far more complex.

Columbus and the eclipse

In June 1503, on his fourth voyage to the Americas, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus and his crew became stranded on Jamaica. They were saved by the Indigenous Taíno people, who gave them food and provisions.

As months passed, tensions grew. Columbus's crew threatened mutiny, while the Taíno grew frustrated with providing so much for so little in return. By February, the Taíno had reached their breaking point and stopped providing food.

Supposedly, Columbus then consulted an astronomical almanac and discovered a lunar eclipse was forecast for February 29 1504. He took advantage of this knowledge to trick the Taíno, threatening to use his "magic power" to turn the moon a deep red—"inflamed with wrath"—if they refused to provide supplies.

According to Columbus, this worked and the fearful Taíno continued to supply his crew until relief arrived months later. This incident inspired the idea of the "convenient eclipse", which has become a familiar trope in works including Mark Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889) and The Adventures of Tintin (1949).

But is there truth to the trope? How much did Indigenous peoples really know about eclipses?

Merlpal Maru Pathanu

In the Torres Strait, knowledge of the stars is central to culture and identity. Traditionally, special people were chosen for years of intense instruction in the art of star knowledge, which occurred in a secretive place of higher learning called the kwod . They would be initiated as "Zugubau Mabaig", a western Islander term meaning "star man"—an astronomer.

Mualgal man David Bosun, a talented artist and son of a Zugubau Mabaig, explains that these individuals paid careful attention to all things celestial. They kept constant watch over the stars to inform their Buai (kinship group) when to plant and harvest gardens, hunt and fish, travel and hold ceremonies.

The final stage of Zugubau Mabaig initiation involved a rare celestial event. Initiates were required to prove their bravery as well as their mental skill by taking the head of an enemy, particularly a sorcerer. In this way they would absorb that person's powerful magic.

Headhunting raids occurred immediately after a total lunar eclipse , signaled by the blood red appearance of the moon. During the eclipse, communities performed a ceremony in which dancers donned a special dhari (headdress) as they systematically chanted the names of all the surrounding islands.

The island named when the moon emerged from the eclipse was the home of the sorcerers they planned to attack. Women and children sought shelter while the men prepared for war. The ceremony, named Merlpal Maru Pathanu ("the ghost has taken the spirit of the moon"), was planned well in advance by the Zugubau Mabaig.

How was this done?

Predicting an eclipse

The moon does not orbit Earth in the same plane Earth orbits the sun. It's off by a few degrees. The position of the moon appears to zigzag across the sky over a 29.5-day lunar month. When it crosses the plane connecting Earth and the sun, and the three bodies are in a straight line, we see an eclipse.

We know that ancient cultures including the Chinese and Babylonians possessed the ability to predict eclipses, and it is rather difficult to do . How did the Zugubau Mabaig accomplish it?

There are some things they would know. First, lunar eclipses only occur during a full moon, and solar eclipses during a new moon.

Second are the "eclipse seasons": times when the planes of Earth, moon and the sun can intersect to form an eclipse. This happens twice a year. Each season lasts around 35 days, and repeats six months later.

Third is the Saros cycle : eclipses repeat every 223 lunar months (approximately 18 years and 11.3 days).

The details are highly complex. But it's clear that predicting an eclipse requires careful, long-term observations and keeping detailed records, skills Torres Strait Islander astronomers have long possessed.

Flipping the narrative

The Zugubau Mabaig eclipse forecasts turn a common understanding of the history of science on its head. Indigenous peoples did, in fact, develop the ability to predict eclipses.

Perhaps the real situation is better captured in a short story called El Eclipse (1972), by Honduran writer Augusto Monterroso.

In the story, a Spanish priest is captured by Maya in Guatemala, who opt to sacrifice him. He tries to exploit his knowledge that a solar eclipse will occur that day to trick his captors, but the Maya look at the priest with a sense of incredulity. Two hours later, he meets his fate on the altar during the totality of the eclipse.

As the sun goes dark and the priest's blood is spilled, a Maya astronomer recites the dates of all the upcoming eclipses, solar and lunar. The Maya had already predicted them.

The truth behind this story is found in the Dresden Codex , a thousand-year-old book of Maya records that includes tables of eclipse predictions.

Learn more at www.aboriginalastronomy.com.au

Provided by The Conversation

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Columbus Drive could become Barack Obama Drive under proposed ordinance

An italian american leader says that although the former president is worthy of the honor, it shouldn’t come at the expense of italian heritage and culture..

An ordinance proposed by 4th Ward Ald. Lamont Robinson would rename Columbus Drive after former President Barack Obama (right).

Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times; Getty Images

A City Council member wants to rename Columbus Drive in downtown Chicago after former President Barack Obama, but an Italian American civic leader wants the street to be left alone.

At Wednesday's City Council meeting, 4th Ward Ald. Lamont Robinson introduced an ordinance to rename Columbus Drive Barack Obama Drive. The road stretches through the Loop from East Grand Avenue south to DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Ron Onesti, president of the Chicago branch of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, challenged the idea, saying that though Obama is "truly worthy" of such an honor, the group was against any form of "canceling" parts of its history.

"We see this as a direct attack on our culture more than an honoring of a most worthy president," Onesti said.

In a statement, Robinson said "we need to honor more Black men, and this is one small way we can do that." He added that it was important for children to be able to see that they can become part of Black history.

"Renaming Columbus Drive to Barack Obama Drive is a way to honor the legacy of the first Black president of the United States and a 4th Ward resident, from his beginnings as a community organizer to his historic election night celebration in Grant Park," Robinson said.

• Obama gets first look at massive video exhibit for Obama Presidential Center: ‘That was fun’

Columbus Drive was originally known as the Inner Drive. It was renamed for Christopher Columbus in 1933.

Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times

It would also cement a new tourist destination, Robinson said. "This is our opportunity as a city to give him his flowers while he's still alive and recognize his journey that has inspired millions, including myself, to believe that anything is possible."

The proposed ordinance must be studied by the council's Transportation Committee before it can be considered by the full City Council.

The National Italian American Foundation has said Columbus, a 15th century explorer from Genoa known for his voyage to the New World, "represents the important values of risk and discovery that are at the heart of the American dream."

Onesti said that if a street is to be named after Obama, it should be one with a closer connection to the former president, such as Greenwood Avenue on the South Side, where the Obama family home sits.

"The key here is why must there be an effort to cease the existence of Columbus Drive, rather than finding a way to add the honor for President Obama?" Onesti asked. "If those wishing to honor president Obama truly wish to do so, we'll be there to honor a great president, but not at a cost affecting one particular ethnic group."

Onesti also said the community should get a say as to a possible name change of Columbus Drive.

"Why don't we come together with the Italian American community of Chicago and come up with a way, because we would be part of that," Onesti said.

The JCCIA has also fought against efforts to rename Balbo Drive , named after Italo Balbo, an Italian Air Force marshal famous for making the first transatlantic airplane crossing from Rome to Chicago and helping to bring Mussolini to power in 1922.

The group is also still fighting to reinstall two Columbus statues that were removed from Arrigo Park and Grant Park in 2020 after activists’ attempts to remove them devolved into clashes with police.

In October, a group of activists gathered in Arrigo Park to celebrate Columbus and support the return of the statues.

In 2017, the General Assembly designated a stretch of Interstate 55 from the Tri-State Tollway south to mile marker 202 near Pontiac as the “Barack Obama Presidential Expressway.”

Contributing: Fran Spielman

Ron Onesti, president of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, speaks during a news conference after marching in the Columbus Day Parade in the Loop in October 2021.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times file photo

• Columbus could return to Grant Park, but what about other ‘problematic’ public monuments?
• Group pushes county to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day