Document 1: Testimonies of Spanish Rulers
Spanish monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella formed the Talavera Commission to decide if they should sponsor (pay for) the proposed voyage of Christopher Columbus
(Right Image is Talavera Commission and Below image is King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella)
2.
Testimony by Roderigo Maldando:
“Senor Columbus’s estimates about the size of the earth are incorrect. Greek geographers, I believe, have correctly estimated the size of the earth at 25,000 miles. This is much bigger than Columbus’s estimate. His ships will sail west and never be heard from again.”
3.
Diego de Deza
“I believe we should sponsor Columbus. He is an experienced sailor. He has spent time sailing on the Western Ocean. He has risked his own fortune for this expedition. If he believes in it so much, Spain should support him.”
4.
Hernando de Talavera
“We should not sponsor Columbus’s voyage. His demands are outrageous. He wants 20 percent of everything he finds. This foreigner also insists that he be made Admiral of the Ocean Sea and Governor of the land he colonizes. Let us remember that Columbus is not a Spaniard. He is a drifter and certainly cannot be entrusted with such power. For the safety and security of the realm, we should not agree with his demands.”
5.
Paolo Toscanelli
“From Western Europe there is a shorter way to Asia than around Africa. I estimate that China is only 5000 miles west of Lisbon and Japan is even closer.
6.
Luis de Santangel:
“There is a risk in backing Columbus’s voyage, but all things considered, we should take it. After all, the Portuguese, our rivals, have rounded the Cape of Good Hope and are on their way to finding an all-water route to the Indies. If we don’t do something soon, they will monopolize the wealth of that rich land. Why not support Columbus? All we have to lose is two or three small ships and their crews. This is a loss, but look what we have to gain if we are successful.”
7.
Francisco Gomez
“Columbus cannot be correct. God would never allow a water route to any land like India to be concealed from his people for so many centuries. There is no all-water route.”
8.
Juan Castro
“Your Majesties, we have spent a great deal of money fighting the Moors and expelling them from our country. We do not want to pay taxes to support this expedition which at best is risky.”
