flag. First, however, he had to educate himself. He learned to speak Portuguese and Castilian, which was the official language of Spain at the time. He also mastered Latin so that he may be able to read scholarly books on geography. To earn his living, Columbus became a chart maker. He also made voyages as an agent for a Genoese merchant in Lisbon. In 1479 he married Dona Felipa Perestrello, whose father had been one of Prince Henry’s captains. They had one son, Diego. Felipa’s high social rank enabled Columbus to meet important officials. She also gave him her father’s collection of charts and documents. From these Columbus gained more knowledge of Portuguese discoveries and plans. In 1481, he entered the service of King John II of Portugal and voyaged to the gold coasts of Africa. During that time the wealth of Asia was being discovered and Europeans were eager for more of it. Asian goods had to be brought over to Europe through a perilous overland route which made them scarce and expensive. Ships could carry the good more cheaply and with greater quantity. To reach India, China, Japan and the East Indies the Portuguese were trying to make a route that stretched all around the coast of Africa for trading. Another possibility was across the Atlantic Ocean. At the time all educated men knew that the world was round and that Asia was west of Europe. But, no one knew how far it was. Columbus’ studies lead him to believe that the Earth was much smaller than it really was so Asia was a lot farther than he thought. He made his calculations

Some topics in this essay:
Canary Islands, II Portugal, Domenico Columbo, Portuguese Castilian, Diego Felipa’s, Polo Pierre, Ocean Sea, North African, Santa Maria, Luckily Columbus, king john, land sighted, son diego, ii portugal, john ii, genoese merchant, king john ii, john ii portugal, seaman aboard,