Columbus Day is this Monday. While everyone know Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492, there are a lot of misconceptions about him Here are some facts any myths about the man:
- Many historians believe Columbus was born in the Italian port city of Genoa -- but others think he was born on the island of Corsica -- as was Napoleon!
- Columbus was a fervent Catholic who believed God had chosen him for a great destiny -- but his folks may have been "conversos" -- converted Spanish Jews!
- Columbus wrote in Spanish -- not Italian! -- his entire life!
- Other experts believe Columbus's family tree included Vikings -- which goes a long way to explaining the gutsy explorer's skill with a mast!
- At age 14, while many American kids are thrilling to Treasure Island, Columbus was a real-life pirate! -- yo-ho-hoing to Greece and Iceland!
- Columbus never wanted to prove the Earth was round! -- because everyone already knew it! His goal was to find an overseas trade route to India and China -- because Arab bandits made land travel risky!
- In 1484, Columbus gave Portugal -- not Spain! -- first crack at his plan to sail West to China -- but Portugal's King John II rejected Columbus's plans as too vague!
- King John was right! Portugal's own Vasco da Gama discovered an easier sea route to India -- by sailing around Africa -- six years after Columbus found the New World!
- Contrary to popular myth, Spain's svelte but thrifty Queen Isabella never sold her jewelry to pay for Columbus's voyage! She and hubby Ferdinand financed the trip partly through investors -- Italian investors!
Read more fun facts here.
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