Sea & Steel – History – Part 3 of 4

Written by Neva

Published onJuly 3, 2024Updated onNovember 19, 2024Discussion1 Comment on Sea & Steel – History – Part 3 of 4

Antonio Vaquera (game designer) is back with the third part of the historical introduction of our game Sea & Steel: Columbus’ Voyages. If you haven’t read the previous parts:
Read part 1.
Read part 2.

Third Voyage (1498-1500):

February 6, 1498: Two caravels, under the command of Pedro Fernández Coronel, departed from Sanlúcar de Barrameda with provisions and at least 55 soldiers for Hispaniola. Columbus himself set sail from the same port of Sanlúcar on May 30, 1498, with eight other ships. This fleet had a crew of 226 people.

July 31, 1498: Columbus arrived at the island of Trinidad and explored the coast of Venezuela, becoming the first European to set eyes on mainland South America.

In August 1498 Columbus returned to Hispaniola and finds the colony in chaos due to mismanagement and conflicts. At this time, his brother, Bartholomew Columbus, was in command of the island. The capital of the island was Santo Domingo, a city that had been founded on the south coast of the island.

From the island of Margarita, he sailed north to the island of Hispaniola and landed at Santo Domingo. There, a group of Spaniards, led by the mayor, Francisco Roldán, had rebelled against the authority of Bartholomew Columbus and had retreated inland.

Once in Santo Domingo, Christopher Columbus tried to negotiate with the rebels and in August 1499 all those who had rebelled were pardoned and allowed to return to Spain whenever they wished.

Complaints were also raised about the way the Columbus brothers were handling administrative affairs. On the other hand, the island of Hispaniola, instead of bringing money into the royal coffers, only demanded expenses. All of this reached the ears of the Spanish monarchs, who sent Judge Francisco de Bobadilla, who arrived in Santo Domingo on August 23, 1500.

Columbus was arrested by Francisco de Bobadilla, who was sent by the Catholic Monarchs, and sent back to Spain in chains.

In November 1500, Columbus arrived in Spain and was released, but his titles and powers were revoked.

Continue reading part 4...