Chapter 1: A Misguided Navigator

Christopher Columbus's existence resembles a flawed mathematical equation that, against all odds, still yielded the right result.

Columbus held the misguided belief that the Earth's circumference was significantly less than the true value, despite centuries of evidence from astronomers and mathematicians to the contrary.

In the 3rd century BC, the Greek mathematician Eratosthenes made a remarkably accurate calculation of the Earth's circumference, estimating it at 40,075 km (24,901 miles), only 75 kilometers off the mark.

How did this ancient scholar from Alexandria, Egypt, achieve such precision without contemporary technology? He observed the lengths of shadows cast in wells at various times of the day, understanding that at noon during the summer solstice in Syene (modern-day Aswan), a vertical rod would cast no shadow.

Utilizing this information alongside some geometry, he deduced that the Earth was spherical and arrived at his circumference estimate—an impressive feat for someone over two millennia ago. However, Columbus dismissed this knowledge, possibly labeling it as "pseudo-science."

With his own flawed calculations, Columbus estimated the Earth's circumference to be 30,577 km (19,000 miles). Fortunately for him, his voyage took him in the right direction, leading to the Americas.

Had he set sail in any other direction, he would likely have faced the perils of the open sea, or the growing unrest among his crew could have resulted in him being thrown overboard. Thus, while Columbus may have lacked sound judgment, he was undeniably fortunate—much to the detriment of the original inhabitants of the Americas.

Although he was not the first European to set foot in the Americas, Columbus is often credited with this discovery due to his superior public relations strategy compared to the Vikings.

Section 1.1: The Ancient Genius

Eratosthenes's remarkable understanding of the Earth's dimensions laid the groundwork for future explorers.

Subsection 1.1.1: Shadow Play and Geometry

Chapter 2: A Twist of Fate

Despite his misconceptions, Columbus's adventure was a blend of luck and historical significance.

This video, "Burning Spear - Christopher Columbus Lyrics," explores the themes surrounding Columbus's journey and its impact on history.

In the official video "Luke Combs - Doin' This," we see the exploration of personal journeys that parallel the historical narrative of Columbus.