In 1502, the renowned explorer Christopher Columbus, who is credited with discovering the New World, set out on his fourth and final voyage in the hopes of discovering a western route to Asia. This expedition, however, proved to be his most difficult and ultimately brought about an unexpected turn of events. Columbus and his crew encountered difficult conditions and uncertainty while stranded in Jamaica during their journey. In an amazing turn of events, a lunar eclipse was crucial to their survival. This article explores the fascinating tale of how Christopher Columbus ended up stranded in Jamaica and how he cunningly used the impending lunar eclipse to bargain his way out of this precarious circumstance.
Christopher Columbus’s Stranded Voyage to Jamaica
Ah, the story of Christopher Columbus, the traveler who accidentally discovered America and forever altered the course of human history. What about his less well-known exploits, such as the time he got lost in Jamaica? Yes, it appears that even renowned explorers occasionally find themselves in a sticky situation. Come with me as we examine the events leading up to Columbus’s fateful encounter with a lunar eclipse on his fourth and final voyage.
The Journey: Columbus’s Fourth and Final Voyage
Columbus set out on his fourth and final voyage in 1502, full of hope and a little bit of wanderlust. His goals were to find a western route to the Far East, amass wealth, and perhaps discover a few uncharted territories along the way. Columbus set out in search of glory with three ships: the unassuming-sounding but sturdy Santa Mara de la Victoria, the forgotten-sibling-of-the-Nia, La Capitana, and the tried-and-true Santiago. He had no idea what adventures awaited him.
Stranded in Jamaica: Events leading to the Eclipse
Imagine Columbus’ fleet arriving in Jamaica in 1503; they are exhausted and in need of rest. But alas, luck was not on the side of our brave explorer. The crew needed time to make repairs because the ships were damaged. Days became weeks, and then weeks became months. The crew soon understood they were stranded, and their worry quickly turned to desperation.
Being the resourceful man that he was, Columbus decided to engage in negotiation. By promising that their god would reward their generosity, he persuaded the locals to provide the necessities for his crew. Days again turned into weeks, and food became scarce. As they anxiously awaited word that they would be rescued from this beached purgatory, the crew and the locals’ patience grew thin.
The Superstitious Natives: Response to the Stranded Europeans
Columbus and his crew encountered a mixture of superstition and curiosity as they interacted with Jamaica’s native population. The natives initially viewed them with suspicion because they were unfamiliar with the presence of Europeans. While some perceived them as divine visitors, others thought they were cursed creatures who were to blame for their misfortune.
Ever the diplomat, Columbus used his charm and wit to win over the locals. Through his efforts, he won their confidence and eventually persuaded them to exchange their priceless supplies for insignificant trinkets. The locals were superstitious, but they were also shrewd negotiators, despite their superstition.
Columbus and his crew had no idea that a celestial event would drastically alter their situation. A lunar eclipse illuminated the Jamaican sky on the evening of February 29, 1504, giving the night a sinister glow. The superstitious natives rushed to give Columbus and his crew an abundance of provisions, thinking it was a sign from their gods, in an effort to win their favor.
Columbus and his crew said goodbye to their temporary haven in Jamaica and set sail once more into the unknown, their bellies full and spirits high. The stranded voyage had come to an end, leaving behind a tale of diplomatic skill, resourcefulness, and a dash of lunar good fortune.
But keep in mind that even the most accomplished explorers occasionally become stranded and reliant on the generosity of strangers and the whims of nature. Therefore, the next time you find yourself in a difficult circumstance, just remember Christopher Columbus and his lunar eclipse journey. Who knows, maybe everything will come together for you as well.
Columbus’s Ingenious Plan: Predicting the Lunar Eclipse
When Christopher Columbus and his crew got stuck in Jamaica in 1504, they had a difficult task ahead of them: persuading the locals to keep bringing them food and supplies. Columbus, ever the resourceful traveler, devised a brilliant scheme to astound and impress the locals: he predicted a lunar eclipse.
Columbus had access to almanacs that detailed celestial events and was well-versed in astronomy. He was aware that on February 29, 1504, there would be a lunar eclipse. With this information in hand, he approached the Cacique (chief) in the area and asked to meet with his council.
The Agreement with the Natives: Columbus’s Negotiation Tactics
Columbus took advantage of the upcoming lunar eclipse in his meeting with the tribal council. In retaliation for their lack of cooperation, he informed the council that he had the authority to cause the moon to vanish. He forewarned them that the moon would vanish from the sky on the appointed night if they did not furnish him and his crew with provisions.
Naturally, the locals were dubious at first, but as the predicted date approached, they grew more concerned. Columbus made a show of praying before announcing that he would spare the moon from disappearing as a sign of mercy after sensing their fear and desperation. However, he made it clear that this act of goodwill would only continue if the natives continued to provide the necessary supplies.
The Miracle of the Eclipse: Impact and Resolution
The locals gave the crew an abundance of food and supplies as the night of the lunar eclipse drew near, curious to see if Columbus could truly control the celestial forces. Knowing he had to keep his word, Columbus checked his almanac and correctly predicted when the eclipse would occur.
Columbus acted as though he were in deep prayer that fateful night as the moon started to eclipse, and he dramatically begged the heavens for help. The moon then started to reappear as if by magic. The natives were in awe and fear as they watched this extraordinary event. They instantly knelt at Columbus’ feet, pleading for his pardon and promising to give the crew whatever they required.
The miraculous lunar eclipse not only saved Columbus and his crew from starvation but also secured their safety and well-being during their time in Jamaica.
Remembering the miracles of the 1985 Mexico earthquake (unbelievable stories)
In 1985, after an 8.0 magnitude earthquake hit Mexico City, nearly all newborn babies survived a collapsed hospital. They are known as “Miracle Babies” for surviving 7 days without nourishment, water, warmth or human contact.
The Tragic Story Of Mary Ann Bevan, The ‘Ugliest Woman In The World’
After the death of her husband, Mary Ann Bevan had no income to support herself and her children. She then decided to enter a contest where she won the title of “ugliest woman” and was later hired by a circus. She endured this ridicule from the world to provide for her family.
Saudi Arabia camel carvings dated to prehistoric era
Archaeologists were shocked to discover that a series of camels carved into desert rock faces in north-western Saudi Arabia are actually prehistoric, dating from 7,000-8,000 years ago - before either the Pyramids of Giza or Stonehenge were built.
Did Gil Pérez Really Teleport from Manila to Mexico Overnight? The 1593 Mystery
On October 24, 1593, while performing his guard duties at Manila's Governor's Palace in the Philippines, Gil Perez stopped to lean against a wall and sleep for a while. He opened his eyes to find himself in an unusual environment. Gil was in the Plaza Mayor in Mexico City. They imprisoned Perez, but the authorities in Mexico City decided to release him and return him home.
What exactly was the US's 'Ghost Army' during WWII?
During WW2, there was a special unit of men dubbed the ‘Ghost Army’. The unit was made of artists, creative and engineers and their job was to create deception about the enemy. From inflatable tanks to phony convoys to scripted conversations in bars intended to spread disinformation, they used all possible tricks to fool the enemy.
The History Behind the “No One Dies Alone” Program
In 1986, while doing a night shift at the hospital, Sandra Clarke, a registered nurse, was asked by an elderly patient to stay. She promised to be back after checking on her other patients, but by the time she returned, the gentleman had passed away. Clarke became one of the key figures in launching No One Dies Alone, a program that allows volunteers to sit with terminal patients who have no one else.
The incredible story of Julia "Butterfly" Hill and her legacy
American environmental activist Julia “Butterfly” Hill lived in a 1500-year-old California Redwood tree for 738 days to prevent it from being cut down by the Pacific Lumber Company. The Simpson’s episode “Lisa the Tree Hugger” was inspired by Hill’s story.
Man's Blood Helped Save Millions of Babies
Australian blood donor James Harrison has been one of our most impressive and valued donors, having donated for 60 years. Know his story, how he was a pioneer of our Anti-D program, and why this matters.
15 interesting facts about Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled Britain for 70 years, has away at the age of 96. She was the country's longest-reigning monarch. Here are some little-known facts about her.
Blanche Monnier: Imprisoned For 25 Years For Falling in Love
Blanche Monnier, she was a French woman noted for her beauty, she wished to marry an old lawyer that her mother disapproved of, so she locked her in a small dark room in her attic for 25 years.
Franz Ferdinand’s Assassination that sparked World War I
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie are shot to death by a Bosnian Serb nationalist during an official visit to the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo on June 28, 1914. The killings sparked a chain of events that led to the eruption of World War I by early August.
Sylvan Goldman: The Visionary Who Revolutionized Shopping with the Cart
The inventor of shopping carts, Sylvan Goldman, had to hire several male and female models to push carts around in his store, demonstrate their utility, and explain their use to other customers, due to not catching on initially.
Juliane Koepcke: The Teenager Who Fell 10,000 Feet And Trekked The Jungle to survive
In 1971, a high school student was sucked out of an airplane after it was struck by lightning. She fell 10,000 feet to the ground while still strapped to her chair and survived. Only to endure a 9-day trek to the nearest civilization.
What is the story behind Wrigley chewing gum?
Wrigley's was originally a soap company that gifted baking powder with their soap. The baking powder became more popular than the soap so they switched to selling baking powder with chewing gum as a gift. The gum became more popular than the baking powder so the company switched to selling gum.
D.B. Cooper: Man who hijacked a plane and jumped out with a $200,000
On November 22, 1971, DB Cooper hijacked a Boeing 727, drank a whisky, smoked a fag, and then jumped out of the plane with $200,000. He was never again seen.
William James Sidis: The smartest person yet forgotten by people
William James Sidis, who was only 11 years old when he enrolled in Hardvard, finished his primary and secondary schooling in less than a year. He knew eight foreign languages by the age of eight and even invented his own language, "vedergood."
The youngest person executed, George Stinney Jr was proven innocent
In 1944, George Stinney Jr. was 14 years old when he was executed in South Carolina. It took only ten minutes to convict him — and 70 years to exonerate him.
The story of a man who spent 72 hours with 72 venomous snakes to prove they only bite when provoked
In the 1980s, an Indian man spent 72 hours in a glass cabin with 72 snakes, some of which were extremely venomous. His aim was to prove that snakes only attack when provoked. Remarkably, he was not bitten once in those 72 hours and even set a Guinness World Record in the process.
How European Rabbits Took over Australia
In 1859, wealthy settler Thomas Austin released 13 wild rabbits on his Australian estate. By 1920, their population grew to 10 billion.
The Assassination Of King Alexander
The assassination of King Alexander of Yugoslavia marked a pivotal moment in the country's history. This article delves into the rise and reign of King Alexander, exploring his early life and ascension to the throne. It also examines the political and social climate in interwar Yugoslavia, setting the stage for the tensions and challenges that ultimately culminated in his tragic assassination. By understanding the context in which this event unfolded, we can better grasp the significance and impact it had on the nation and its future.
The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry
Before women were allowed to enroll in medical school, Margaret Ann Bulkley studied medicine and assumed the identity of Dr. James Barry for 56 years while dressing as a man. After 46 years of service as an army doctor officer, her secret was not made public until after her death in 1865.
Vince Coleman, a railway dispatcher, sacrificed his own life
Vince Coleman, a railway dispatcher, sacrificed his life in order to warn an incoming train of an imminent explosion. His telegraph said “Hold up the train. Ammunition ship afire in harbor making for Pier 6 and will explode. Guess this will be my last message. Good-bye, boys.” He saved 300 lives.
Tunnels Dug by ancient giant sloths, A South American Megafauna
For years, scientists didn’t know what caused mysterious cave networks in South America. In 2010, they learned that the caves were actually tunnels dug by ancient giant sloths
Terry Fox, a 21-year-old one-legged cancer patient who ran 143 days before dying
Terry Fox was a 21-year-old one-legged cancer patient who ran 3,339 miles across Canada in 143 days before dying.
Nicholas Winton ‘British Schindler’: Man who rescued 669 Czech children from Nazis
A man named Nicholas Winton saved 669 kids during WWII and lived almost all his life without letting people know.
