History: February 15 (#3)

Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Exploration & Navigation Science & Discovery

February 15, 1493 While on board the Niña, Christopher Columbus writes an open letter (widely distributed upon his return to Portugal) describing his discoveries and the unexpected items he came across in the New World.

Commentary

On February 15, in the year 1493: While on board the Niña, Christopher Columbus writes an open letter (widely distributed upon his return to Portugal) describing his discoveries and the unexpected items he came across in the New World. A letter written by Christop her Columbus on 15 February 1493, is the first known document announcing the completion of his first voyage across the Atlantic, which set out in 1492 and reached the Americas. Why February 15, 1493 matters: While on board the Niña, Christopher Columbus writes an open letter (widely distributed upon his return to Portugal) describing his discoveries and the unexpected items he came across in the New World. What began on this day left a lasting mark on history. The effects were felt immediately and continued to shape events, ideas, and lives long afterwards. Historical context: February 15, 1493 Medieval societies developed long-distance trade, craft traditions, urban life, and learning institutions that shaped later centuries. The event on this day: While on board the Niña, Christopher Columbus writes an open letter (widely distributed upon his return to Portugal) describing his discoveries and the unexpected items he came across in the New World. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus's_letter_on_the_first_voyage (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

Sources: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)