How Columbus Changed the World

Available for over a year

In 1492, a stubborn, fast-talking Genoese sailor convinced the Spanish crown to fund a voyage based on flawed maths and a wrongheaded vision of the Earth's size. In doing so he set off a chain reaction that ultimately reshaped practically every society on earth. Today, we're joined by Professor Matthew Restall to untangle the man from the myth. What were the realities of Columbus' life and deeds, and why does he remain such a divisive and interesting figure five hundred years later? Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore. All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3Media. Dan Snow's History Hit is a History Hit podcast.