1492: Conquest of Paradise

Christopher Columbus embarks on his ambitious quest for a westward passage to Asia. Despite facing intense opposition from skeptical Catholic theologians, he remains determined to prove that such a route exists.

Teaming up with Martín Pinzón, a savvy shipowner from Palos, Columbus secures crucial financial support from Santángel, a wealthy banker. This backing is essential for Columbus to pursue his voyage across the uncharted oceans.

After a pivotal meeting with Queen Isabella I, Columbus gains her royal approval for his journey. He promises to return filled with riches, notably gold, which further fuels his ambition and the hopes of his crew.

As Columbus prepares for the voyage, he faces skepticism from his crew regarding the length and safety of the expedition. To maintain morale, he assures them of a brief seven-week journey while preparing for the long and demanding trip ahead.

Nine weeks into the expedition, the crew's morale begins to dwindle, leading to threats of mutiny. In a moment of desperation, Columbus delivers a stirring speech, which is fortuitously reinforced by a sudden change in the wind that revives their spirits.

As night descends, Columbus detects the buzzing of mosquitoes, indicating that land is near. Soon, the crew spots the verdant landscapes and sandy shores of Guanahani, marking a significant milestone in their journey.

Upon landing, Columbus and his crew encounter local natives, who reveal their gold treasures. Columbus takes the role of a teacher, sharing the Spanish language with a native, fostering a connection between their two cultures.

Columbus returns to Spain to a hero's welcome, where Queen Isabella I honors him for his discoveries. Despite some council members expressing disappointment over the modest gold haul, the queen's admiration provides Columbus with a sense of vindication.

Inspired by his previous journey, Columbus embarks on a second expedition, commanding a massive fleet of 17 ships laden with over a thousand men. This ambitious venture reflects his unwavering determination to explore and conquer new lands.

Upon arrival at his previous settlement, Columbus is heartbroken to find that the settlers he left behind have met a tragic fate at the hands of hostile natives. Determined to uncover the truth, he confronts the surviving settlers to learn about the violent clashes.

Despite skepticism from his commanding officer, Columbus decides to believe the survivors' accounts of the events that transpired. He commits to establishing a new settlement, La Isabela, and symbolically places the town bell in its tower to signify resilience.

Years pass and the native inhabitants face horrific conditions as they are subjected to brutal methods of gold extraction. Moxica, Columbus's commanding officer, enforces violent punishments, creating fear that forces many tribes to flee into the forests.

Returning to Hispaniola, Columbus finds his settlement in ruins, ravaged by Moxica's reign of terror. Stripped of his governorship, Columbus is ordered to return to Spain amidst accusations of favoritism and corruption, marking a significant decline in his power.

Columbus returns to Spain to find himself imprisoned due to the fallout from the previous expedition. His sons manage to secure his release, but he faces reluctant approval from Queen Isabella for one final voyage, now with the condition of abandoning his brothers.

In his later years, Columbus feels largely forgotten in Spain as his discoveries fade into the backdrop of history, overshadowed by Amerigo Vespucci. His son, Ferdinand, implores him to recount his incredible adventures, seeking to preserve his father's legacy for future generations.