Did Columbus Really Sail to Iceland in the 1470s and to West Africa in the 1480s?

Christopher Columbus is a name synonymous with maritime exploration and discovery during the Age of Discovery. However, the details of his early voyages and ventures have been subject to numerous claims and debates. One of the most prominent debates surrounds his alleged visits to Iceland and West Africa. Let's delve into the reality of these claims.

Was Columbus in Iceland in the 1470s?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no concrete evidence to prove that Christopher Columbus sailed to Iceland in the 1470s. The origins of this claim come from local folklore and the interconnectedness of sailors and merchants in the Atlantic community of the time. It is speculated that Columbus may have heard tales or discussed his plans with sailors and merchants who had traveled to Iceland. However, no direct evidence exists to confirm his own visit to the island. This speculation is often fueled by local stories, but such narratives, while interesting, cannot be confirmed without more substantial evidence.

Columbus's Exploration of West Africa in the 1480s

Unlike his alleged visit to Iceland, there is solid historical evidence that Christopher Columbus did indeed sail along the West African coast in the 1480s. During this period, he made several voyages to the region, particularly to the Canary Islands. His involvement in trade and exploration activities with the African coast during these voyages contributed to his understanding of navigation and trade routes. These experiences played a crucial role in shaping his later voyages where he sought a westward route to Asia.

Columbus's Personal Connections and Influences

Columbus lived in Portugal and the island of Porto Santo for nearly a decade, from around 1476 to 1488. His father-in-law was involved in the discoveries of Madeira and Porto Santo, and Columbus was well acquainted with many Portuguese explorers. Some sources claim he was present when Bartolomeu Dias described to the king his voyage to find the Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost tip of the African continent. It is also speculated that his brother Bartholomew was present during Dias's voyage to the Cape of Good Hope.

In 1481, Columbus is claimed to have taken part in Diogo de Azambuja's voyage to Elmina (also known as Sao Jorge da Mina or Mina), which is present-day Ghana. He is also credited with a voyage to Ireland and Iceland in 1477. Local folklore in Ingjaldscholl, Iceland, suggests that he spent the winter there. However, despite these claims, there is no definitive proof to substantiate these journeys. While possible, the lack of concrete evidence makes it difficult to confirm these claims.

Further Considerations

It is important to note that the conditions under which Columbus's voyages were conducted were governed by international treaties. Portugal had obtained a monopoly on travel to West Africa, making it unlikely that Columbus would have undertaken an independent expedition there. However, his presence in Lisbon in December 1488, when Bartolomeu Dias returned from his successful voyage, would have allowed him to learn about the findings of Dias. This knowledge further fueled his determination to find an alternative route to Asia.

In conclusion, while there are intriguing claims about Columbus's voyages to Iceland and West Africa, the historical record does not provide concrete proof to substantiate these claims. However, the connections and experiences he gained in Portugal and involvement in other explorative voyages certainly influenced his later expeditions and the eventual discovery of the New World. The debate around his exact travels remains an intriguing part of maritime history.

References

Britannica - Christopher Columbus

HistoryToday - Columbus and West Africa

Biography - Christopher Columbus