Christopher Columbus sailed from Spain and landed on the islands of a new continent in October 1492. He left the islands in January 1493 and before arriving in Spain, he wrote several letters describing what happened during his time exploring the islands. One letter was addressed to the Monarchs of the Spanish Court, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand; one was addressed to Luis De Sant Angel (Santangel), who helped finance the voyage; and one to Gabriel Sanchez, treasurer of the Monarchs. Copies were made of each – by hand – and then sent to printers throughout Europe, where the letters were translated into different languages, copied, printed, and distributed in other countries.
Objective
Students will learn about some of the passages in a letter written by Christopher Columbus after his first voyage. Through activities and class discussions they will gain an understanding of Columbus and what was written.
Class Sessions: 1 to 3
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