Many associate the name of Christopher Columbus with the discovery of America. Although the discoverer can be called with a reservation. In the Middle Ages, these lands were visited by Europeans - Icelandic Vikings, but they knew about these campaigns only in Scandinavia. The discoveries of Columbus were officially documented, it can be said that his expeditions laid the foundation for the colonization of America by Europeans.
This is not the only merit of the navigator. On his account the Sargasso and Caribbean, Bahamas and Antilles. The reasons that pushed Columbus to discoveries can hardly be called sublime. His goal was not the search for new lands, but the desire to get rich. One way or another, this person made a lot of geographical discoveries.
If you are interested in the personality of the seafarer, pay attention to our article - we will briefly talk about the seafarer. Here are the most interesting facts about Christopher Columbus. You can learn more about his merits, as well as the activities of expeditions.
10. 7 years convinced the government of Spain to help with the organization of the expedition
Christopher Columbus got to know the sea early. He made his first voyage on a commercial schooner as a 14-year-old. Then he learned about the countless riches that can be found in India.
When Columbus matured, he decided to make his dreams come true. He came up with a plan to conquer new lands, but did not tell anyone about the true reasons for the expedition. Columbus dreamed of getting to Japan.
He turned to the Genoese merchants, but they refused him. The Portuguese king Juan II, the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella of Castile also did not support his proposal.
The future navigator did not despair, he wrote letters to the French and English rulers. After a while, Juan II gave his consent to send the expedition. Then the Spanish government decided to change tactics. They agreed to sponsor the expedition, though Columbus spent 7 years negotiating.
9. The team of the third expedition consisted of criminals
In total, Columbus made four expeditions. The first went about a hundred sailors, the second had large-scale dimensions, about 2 thousand people. The colonizers went on a trip: officials, priests, courtiers.
But with the third expedition there were problems - lack of funding. Nobody wanted to go on such a dangerous journey of their own free will, but a way out was found. Offenders of Spanish prisons have been offered an alternative: prolonged imprisonment or swimming. Many of them had nothing to lose, so the men agreed to participate in the expedition..
8. The first to cross the Atlantic Ocean
In 1492, Columbus' first expedition crossed the Atlantic Ocean. The ships stopped at the Caribbean in North America.
Interesting fact: not everyone agrees that Columbus was a pioneer in the Atlantic Ocean. There is information that Muslims, residents of the Ottoman Empire, sailed along this route much earlier than Christopher. Muslims also took part in his expeditions. If you stick to this version, Columbus was inspired by the exploits of the pioneers and therefore was not afraid to take a chance.
7. Discovered America by mistake
On October 12, 1492, the Columbus expedition stopped on the island of Saman. This date is considered the official opening day of America. That's just Christopher himself never found out about his exploits, he believed that these lands are nothing but India.
6. Aborigines called Indians because he thought he had sailed to India
As soon as the sailors set foot on an unknown land, locals came to meet them. Columbus called them Indians because he thought he was in India.
The natives even mistook people in unusual robes, who sailed in huge ships, for the messengers of the gods. Surprisingly, the natives welcomed them with warmth. These people lived away from civilization, but impressed travelers with their innocence and kindness.
This land seemed to Columbus a real paradise, so the second expedition was sent as soon as possible.
5. He suggested sending criminals to new lands, reducing their term
The second expedition was not as successful as the first. Travelers encountered a warlike tribe, Columbus called them cannibals. He became better acquainted with the area and was disappointed: a large number of impassable places, swamps.
The sailor did not despair again he suggested that the government send to new lands not free settlers, but criminals who have nothing to choose from. Double benefits: settling new territories and reducing funding for prisons. The authorities approved the proposal of Columbus.
4. Total made 4 voyages to the shores of America
It was already noted above that Columbus made 4 expeditions. The first brought him great success, Columbus was congratulated on the discovery of new lands. He was sure that it was an ideal place for colonization.
The second expedition was large, not only the team members, but also the colonizers set off. They brought cattle and seeds of crops with them.
The third expedition ended in even greater disappointment; Columbus was arrested and charged with fraud. The Portuguese Vasco da Gama has found a way to the real India. The charges were dropped, but Khritsofor lost all the titles that he received as a result of this activity.
The fourth expedition ended completely with the wreck and severe illness of the navigator.
3. During the last expedition, the team was rescued by knowledge of astronomy
Columbus did not abandon his plans, he dreamed of finding a way from new lands to South Asia. During the expedition, he and his team found themselves in a predicament. Damaged ships, run out of supplies, hostile Indians ...
Christopher decided to use his knowledge of astronomy. He learned that a lunar eclipse would begin soon and told the leaders that the gods would punish their tribe for being unfriendly to the guests. The gods will take the moon from them. When the eclipse began, the Indians got scared and agreed to help the Columbus team.
2. Colombia was named after Columbus
Columbus discovered America, but named it after another traveler Amerigo Vespucci. This man found confirmation that these lands are not Asia, but a new continent.
Christopher was still not disregarded, the Republic of Colombia was named after himexisted for 12 years. In 1831, the countries included in its composition proclaimed themselves independent. Greater Colombia was proclaimed the Republic of Colombia.
1. Named in his honor an asteroid and crater on the moon
In honor of the navigator, a shock crater located in the mainland, between the two lunar seas of Nectar and Abundance, was also named. This name was given to the crater in 1935.
The emergence of the crater dates back to the Ptolemaic period, about 3.92 billion years ago. It has a polygonal shape. The crater is badly damaged, as it has existed for a very long time. Neighborhood Columbus became the crater Boneberger (German astronomer) and Magellan (navigator).
For reference: there are seven places on earth named after Christopher Columbus. Actually, Colombia, Mount Cristobal Colon (real name Christopher), cities in the USA and Panama, Department of Honduras, lighthouse in the Dominican Republic, square in New York. Of course, the list does not include the names of avenues, streets and small squares.