Christopher Columbus Season 1, Episode 6: Columbus learns of Marco Polo and Toscanelli

1

Columbus the Sailor Is Born

Christopher is a boy who wants to be a sailor at all costs. However, his father Dominic wants his son to become a textile craftsman like him, instead. After the downfall of the Fregosa family with whom Dominic Columbus had sided, he becomes more available to his son such that Christopher can finally go aboard a ship. It is then that young Christopher becomes friends with a very good sailor named John.

2

The First Voyage

On his first sea voyage, young Columbus visits the Isle of Chios; it is then that he first experiences life aboard a boat and "learns the ropes" of sailing. One day, the captain decides to cancel a port of call to ensure a swifter arrival, a decision which greatly upsets the sailors; for this he promises two days of rest at Chios. However, after only a brief stay at the Isle of Chios, the captain decides to leave again immediately, promising the crew double their regular pay; most of the crew go along with this, but John does not agree, fearing a storm.

3

Giovanni Risks His Life to Save the Ship

The ship on which Columbus has boarded leaves the isle of Chios. Notwithstanding, John, fearing that a storm is approaching, has a discussion with the captain in the hopes of persuading him to wait the storm out. Unfortunately, the captain does not take kindly to John's point of view, and for this, has John locked under the deck. That night, the ship collides with a rock before the storm sets in. Unfortunately, in order to save the ship and the lives of the crew, John must sacrifice his own life.

4

Adrift

Columbus sets sail as the chief sailor on a cargo vessel en route from Genoa to Lisbon transporting precious loads of contents. Having passed the Straits of Gibraltar, the fleet then encounters pirates off the coast of Saint Vincent's Cape. The Genoese crew tries to escape from the pirates, but to no avail; they are soundly defeated, and their ship is sunk. Shipwrecked, Columbus finds himself at the mercy of the waves.

5

Resolution in Portugal, Kingdom of Voyages

Having survived the shipwreck, Columbus arrives at the village of Lagos where he takes shelter in a monastery. Having been rejuvenated, he sets sail once more until reaching the port of Sagres. Rather than return home, Columbus decides to go to Lisbon in order to learn everything possible about marine sciences, and to more fully dedicate himself to exploring the seven seas.

6

Columbus learns of Marco Polo and Toscanelli

In Lisbon, Columbus meets his brother Bartholomew who works as a cartographer. At first, Columbus helps his brother compile the maps, however, his biggest wish is to enter the School of Navigation at the capital city, a feat not easily achieved by a foreigner. But thanks to an acquaintance with Father Martins, Columbus will live to see his wish come true.

7

His First Exploration Voyage

It is at the School of Navigation where those participating in future sea expeditions are chosen. The first time Columbus is up for selection, he is not chosen as a ship mate because he his foreign. Nevertheless, he continues his ardent studies at the library. It is there he meets Felipa, the daughter of the Governor, notable for having written a collection of books about uncharted lands. Columbus finds himself attracted to Felipa, however, to his dismay, he learns she already has a boyfriend serving as a sea captain. Meanwhile, Columbus is finally offered the position of first officer aboard a cargo ship.

8

Columbus Meets Felipa

The Ship of Columbus transports herrings and salmon to Greenland. It is here Columbus first ponders what could exist beyond the Ocean waters, when he hears of a Viking legend… Gelik, the great grandson of an infamous Viking chief, recites to Columbus the story of his great-grandfather's voyage to an unknown foreign land, wrought with peril and difficulty. Enthralled by the legend, Columbus decides he will undertake the same voyage. Having chosen a day with favorable weather, Columbus embarks on a journey to uncover the veracity of the Viking legend alongside Gelik, and two of his best sailors.

9

Marriage

During the trip to Iceland, Christopher Columbus becomes more and more convinced that undiscovered lands surely await him to the West; his conviction lends him the fortitude to continue sailing. After returning to Lisbon, Columbus is finally able to court the beautiful Felipa, however, their relationship is at first hindered by the girl's family. Fortunately, Columbus receives assistance from Father Martins.

10

Columbus Resolves to Make a Westward Voyage

Here, Columbus meets a Jewish man by the name of Torres. Torres is fascinated by Columbus's ambition to sail to the Indies by way of a Western route. Torres promises him that he will acquire financing for the voyage by soliciting funds from his friends, many of whom happen to be the most significant and influential Genoese merchants. Unfortunately, Torres does not succeed in his task, and Columbus, feeling deceived by his hometown, decides never to return.

11

The First Setback

After Columbus and Felipa are happily wed, they move to the isle of Porto Santo. Here, Columbus is able to gather useful information for his western voyage. He then partakes in an expedition to Guinea, while Felipa, in the meantime, gives birth to a son they decide to name Diego. In 1484 Columbus then decides to travel to Lisbon with the purpose of convincing the King of his project's merit.

12

A Helping Hand

Columbus finally earns himself an interview with the King of Lisbon for the purpose of better explaining the value of reaching the Indies by sailing west. The King at first seems interested by Columbus's proposed-project, and so assembles a group of experts to assess its worth. However, the group of examiners reject the project, when Columbus then suddenly learns of the unfortunate death of Felipa back in Porto Santo. Columbus leaves Portugal at once with his son Diego and goes to Castile.

13

The First Steps Towards Realization of the Exploratory

Columbus and his son Diego find shelter together in the monastery of Rebida where he meets Father Perez and Father Marchena; both priests are enthusiastic about his project, and invite him to ask Duke Medina Sidonia to finance his voyage Columbus then departs the monastery, entrusting Diego under the care of the monks.

14

Audience With the King and Queen

Columbus asks Duke Medina Sidonia to finance his project, at which point the Duke Medina Sidonia in turn asks the more influential Duke Medina Geli for help. Duke Medina, fully convinced that Columbus's ambition is indeed worthy of funding, then writes a letter to Queen Isabella. The Queen accepts an appointment with the Genoese sailor, thus Columbus is fortunate to have the opportunity to explain the scope of his project to Her Majesty. Columbus sets out toward Cordova, hoping his dream will come to fruition.

15

Discovery of the Cape of Good Hope

Once in Cordova, Columbus finds hospitality at Diego de Harana's; there, he falls in love with his cousin Beatrix. At last, the time comes for Columbus to make his journey to the Royal palace. Once there, Columbus meets some important and influential people. Finally, he is then to be received by their Majesty. Following the description of the project, Queen Isabella is particularly impressed by the magnitude of the Genoese sailor's proposal.

16

The End of Reconquista

The Royal Family of Spain appoints a board of experts to examine Columbus's project. After many long meetings, many which take place in Salamanca, Columbus finally earns a convocation at Malaga. However, he beliefs that the verdict will be negative. However, this time the Queen gives Columbus a shred of hope by asking him to first wait for the end of the war.

17

The Plan Is Rejected!

Columbus informs Bartholomew, notwithstanding the failure of the expedition of Dulmo, that the King is interested by Columbus's proposed Western expedition. Columbus then must explain to Beatrix that the cost of living out his dream will come at the expense of their being together. It is a difficult time for Columbus to have to say such a thing, for Beatrix tells Columbus that she is soon to become a mother which, according to custom, would usually imply wedlock. However, Beatrix reassures him, telling him not too worry for this, for she realizes that the importance of Columbus's mission dwarfs their formal wedding. Beatrix then gives birth to a child, Fernando, that August. Columbus remains convinced about the importance of finding a western route to the Indies by sea, however the King feels differently. A friend of Columbus named Sel with close ties with the Queen then attempts to convince Her Majesty about the importance of the project. Columbus is then received by the Queen who promises to help with his project after the fall of Granada.

18

The Plan Is Approved!

Columbus wishes to start his western voyage as soon as possible, however, the Spanish Royal Family doesn't seem to consider it a priority, notwithstanding the promises that Queen Isabella had made. Columbus then returns to the monastery of Rebida, where he is reunited with Father Perez and his son Diego. Father Marchena introduces Columbus to a famous sailor by the name of Pinzon, and asks him how he feels about the Genoese sailor's project. Columbus next reveals to Father Marchena that he owns a very detailed chart of Toscanelli, a map which was thought to be secret of Portugal. Columbus believes that this map will play a great role in convincing the Queen of his project's legitimacy. Father Perez then sends a letter to the Queen, and after few days, Columbus is convoked by her. Columbus tells her about the importance of predicating the Gospel in the Indies. Columbus receives a convocation from the Queen. Happy with this, he then departs for Spain hoping to soon assemble a crew.

19

Columbus Meets Pinzon

After the fall of Granada and the end of the War of Reconquista, the King and the Queen receive Columbus to discuss his project. The King and Queen, however, do not first accempt the terms conditions of Columbus. However, the Genoese sailor remains firm, and heads toward France. It is then that the King and the Queen realize their mistake, and send for a messanger with the purpose of escorting Columbus back to Granada. Columbus is suddenly stopped by the messenger while he is crossing the bridge of Pinos. To his delight, the messenger informs him that the King and Queen have formally accepted his project!

20

The Fleet Sets Sail

After the approval of the project, Columbus relocates to Santa Fè where he drafts a contract the for the Spanish Royal Family with the terms for his expedition. From Santa Fè, he then goes to Palos from where he will set out the expedition. However, to the dismay of the Genoese sailor, there is great difficulty recruiting sailors for the expedition, in spite of a royal decree ordering the city of Palos to furnish him with three caravel ships and a crew to fit.

21

Escape from Sargasso

In an attempt to overcome a lack of crew, Columbus asks a man by the name of Martin Alonso Pinzon and his brother Vicente Yanez for help. Martin Alonso is fortunately able to convince enough sailors at Palos of Columbus's cause to assemble a crew large enough for the 3 caravel ships. At last, finally having outfitted the ships with a crew, all seems ready for the great voyage to begin!

22

Land Is Discovered

The fleet finally embarks, however, during their journey in the Canaries, the rudder of the Pinta breaks and Columbus looses three weeks of his voyage for repair. At last, Columbus sets out again, but the sailors start to grow more and more displeased. The caravel ships then reach a part of the ocean full of algae which they mistake for mainland.

23

Pinzon Rebels

Columbus's sailors' overall mood and apparent exhaustion indicate an imminent revolt. Columbus tries his best to calm their spirits. At last, Columbus hears music to his ears, as the call for land is sounded. Mainland has been officially sighted! Columbus then lands on the isle of "San Salvador." From there, the caravel ships sail to the other islands in search for gold and other goods that would otherwise have been much more difficult to acquire in Europe, and far less plentiful.

24

A Storm Blocks the Return Home

Columbus and his men encounter the natives of the Caribbean Islands, then continue to sail from island to island in search of gold. On the island of Hispaniola, the Santa Maria is then stranded on the rocks. Columbus looses the ship, and Martin Alonso Pinzon then "disappears" with the Pinta. The admiral decides to build a small fort on the island, to leave some brave volunteers behind to guard the fort, and lastly, to find Pinzon before returning to Spain.

25

King Joao Imposes Restrictions

After having built a fort on the island of Hispaniola and assigned volunteers, Columbus begins his trip back to Spain, at which point he meets a violent storm, nearly rendering him shipwrecked. Eventually, the Niña returns to Lisbon, and Columbus is received by King Joao II who supplies him with the necessary help to repair the ship before setting out for Palos.

26

Columbus's Triumphant Return

The Niña returns to the port of Castile in Spain after many days of journey. Joyful people await the ship. The Pinta then arrives, however, Martin, the ship's captain, is very sick and dies a shortly after its arrival. In front of the King and the Queen, the aristocrats and the Duke laugh at Columbus what Columbus tells them, but he then shows them the famous "trick of the egg" to prove his theory to them about the Earth's circumnavigation. At the request of Spanish Royal Family, Columbus sets out on his second trip to the Americas that was not to be as lucky as his first...