Christopher Columbus, Mariner, by Samuel Eliot Morison Essay

Christopher Columbus was born in the port city of Genoa, Italy in 1451. His father was a wool weaver named Domenico Columbo. As a boy, Christopher had no schooling. He and his younger brother Bartholomew helped their father by carding raw wool. Christopher grew up to be a tall, red-haired, quiet and deeply religious man. He worked for his father until he was 22. He went out with the sardine fishing fleets, as other Genoese boys did and he sailed along the coast to Corsica on business for his father. Genoese traders had their own schooners as did Christopher Columbus’ father. He made at least one trip to the North African coast. On long trips such as these, Christopher learned the elements of seamanship.†¦show more content†¦Felipa’s high social rank enabled Columbus to meet important officials. She also gave him her father’s collection of charts and documents. From these Columbus gained more knowledge of Portuguese discoveries and plans. In 1481, he entered the service of King John II of Portugal and voyaged to the gold coasts of Africa. During that time the wealth of Asia was being discovered and Europeans were eager for more of it. Asian goods had to be brought over to Europe through a perilous overland route which made them scarce and expensive. Ships could carry the good more cheaply and with greater quantity. To reach India, China, Japan and the East Indies the Portuguese were trying to make a route that stretched all around the coast of Africa for trading. Another possibility was across the Atlantic Ocean. At the time all educated men knew that the world was round and that Asia was west of Europe. But, no one knew how far it was. Columbus’ studies lead him to believe that the Earth was much smaller than it really was so Asia was a lot farther than he thought. He made his calculations based on evidence from sources such as the Bible, the writing of Marco Polo, and Pierre d’Ailly’s ‘Imago Mundi’ (picture of the world). He only accepted the information that supported his beliefs and he rejected everything else. Columbus was determined to cross theShow MoreRelated Little Portugal Fills Big Shoes Essay1728 Words   |  7 Pagesearly exploration. The Portuguese wanted to leave an impression on the areas they encountered; they strived to spread an important aspect of their lives, Christianity. Portuguese motives can easily be recognized through the voice of a prominent mariner of the land, Vasco Da Gama. When his purpose was questioned by local authorities of Calicut in 1498, he stated, â€Å"Christians and spices† (Bentley 370). Trading posts were quickly established in a number of areas by the Portuguese, and these connectionsRead MoreStudy Guide Essay example790 Words   |  4 Pagespages 1-11? 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