Magnificent Voyage of Christopher Columbus

In August 1492, explorer Christopher Columbus set sail with three ships and 90 men from Spain with the goal of discovering riches, claiming lands, and spreading Christianity in the Orient. Columbus never discovered Asia, of course, but his journey to the New World would forever change the course of history, while also igniting a profound and painful cultural collision that still reverberates today. This PBS-aired documentary explores the famed voyage, while also following a group of modern day sailors as they recreate it in replicas of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. Viewers will learn that while Columbus was limited by his primitive nautical instruments (not to mention myths and misunderstandings common to the age), he was also blessed with uncommon seamanship skills and strong courage. The program offers a sense of what life was like on the ships—including the terror of sailing into the unknown—and examines the first, tentative encounters with the natives. Although Columbus hoped for friendly relations, the historical record undeniably paints a portrait of exploitation of the native population (not only through harsh treatment, but also slave labor), combined with the unwitting decimation of whole populations exposed to unfamiliar European diseases (in return, syphilis—carried by sailors back to Europe—would also exact a terrible toll). Although Columbus triumphantly returned to Spain and later made several more voyages to the New World, his accomplishments were soon overshadowed by those of other explorers, and he died a nearly forgotten man. The program concludes that whatever Columbus' faults, his landmark 1492 voyage is still worth honoring. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)