Remembering Why Columbus Day Matters

IBD Editorials ^ | October 8, 2010 | ROSARIO A. IACONIS

[Kaslin]

Christopher Columbus lives.

Indeed, contrary to the assertions of radical revisionists, the Admiral of the Ocean Sea matters. For it was Columbus' epic discovery of a vast terra incognita that began the Age of Exploration — and sparked the bold voyages of his fellow Italian navigators: Giovanni da Verrazzano, Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot) and Amerigo Vespucci.

A contemporary of Leonardo da Vinci, Cristoforo Colombo hailed from the land John Milton called "the seat of civilization and the hospitable domicile of every species of erudition." And as an exemplar of the Italian Renaissance, Columbus brought with him the reborn fruits of classical Roman humanism, pragmatism and governance — gifts that inspired the Founding Fathers as they forged our res publica.

In fact, Roma Aeterna lies at the heart of America's laws, system of government and the very republic to which we pledge our allegiance.

The founders were steeped in the history of Rome's republic and empire. Indeed, according to historian Rufus Fears: "They crafted our Constitution to reflect the balanced constitution of the Roman Republic, with the sovereignty of the people guided by the wisdom of the Senate, with a powerful executive in the form of the commander in chief, the consul."

When Caesar Augustus became Rome's first emperor-imperator, his authority over a vast domain — stretching from Scotland to the Sudan and across the desert sands of the Middle East — derived from the executive power of the consul of the old republic.

John Adams believed that the "Roman constitution formed the noblest people and the greatest power that has ever existed."

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***The reason Columbus is important is he saved European Civilization from falling to Islam***

It was inevitable that the New World would be discovered at this time. If Colombus had not discovered it then the Portugese would have a few years later when they found Brazil while heading for India around Africa.

[Vince Ferrer]

Portugese would have a few years later when they found Brazil while heading for India around Africa.

I am not sure if you are disagreeing with my post. Yes, its true that it was inevitable that the New World would be found by someone on these great voyages. But why were the great voyages being attempted, especially at that time? These voyages were not only dangerous but expensive.

Why were the Portugese trying to find India by going around Africa? Everyone in Europe since Alexander the Great knew where India was. Just head down the silk road, then take the southern route.

On the other hand, no European knew how big Africa really was, how far south it went, or in Columbus case, how dangerous reaching India was by traversing the Atlantic.

[ehj666]

But Leif landed first. :)

Happy Leif Ericson Day (October 9)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leif_Erikson_Day

[Flag_This]

"When Caesar Augustus became Rome's first emperor-imperator, his authority over a vast domain — stretching from Scotland to the Sudan and across the desert sands of the Middle East..."

Britain wasn't conquered by the Romans until sometime after Augustus shuffled off his mortal coil. I don't believe they ever conquered Scotland (Hadrian's wall).

[rmlew]

Columbus was “O.K.”...but Pizarro and Cortes were real assholes.
True. Then again, who else has conquered an empire with 180 men and a score of horses.