1

Is Columbus' origin debated in the same way in all the countries?

a. Analyze the texts we have chosen from Germany, Spain, Poland, Great Britain and Sweden. What conclusions can you draw regarding the debate about the discoverer's nationality in these countries?

b. Apparently, different hypotheses arise in Spain, among them some claim for the Spanish origin of Columbus. In which other countries do explanations claiming for the discoverer's origin for their own territory appear?

c. It seems that no hypotheses exist to prove the British, Swedish or German origin of Columbus. Do you think this fact could provide the position offered in the magazines from these countries with more credibility or "neutrality"?

2

Critical analysis of History

a.In this module you have been able to read and search for arguments which situate Columbus' origin in different places. Do you think all of them have the same historical accuracy? What are the differences among the arguments?

b. Do you think there can be some interests, beyond the evidences historical sources give, to claim for the origin of a figure like Columbus? Why?

c. From all the possible Columbus origins presented in this module, which do you think are more believable, and which are less believable, regarding the arguments you've read? Discuss this subject with your classmates, in small groups, and try to reach an agreement. Afterwards, present the result of your group to the rest of the class.

3

Playing at being a Historian

a. Another of the "mysterious" questions about Columbus lies in determining where his remains are buried. Search, along with a group of classmates, what was Columbus place of death and where, when and why his remains were successively moved. Put all these places in the map, and draw a little square for each one with the date and the reason for the removal if you can find it.

b. Where are Columbus' remains buried nowadays? Is there one or several theories on the subject? Is there conclusive evidence to really prove where he is buried?