Christopher Columbus (1992)
The marvelous adventures and dramatic life of Christopher Columbus in the 15th century.
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Christopher Columbus
1992Seasons & Episode
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
The marvelous adventures and dramatic life of Christopher Columbus in the 15th century.
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