For young Rodrigo became Spain's most celebrated hero, the Cid, about whom songs have been sung and tales have been spun. Many of these are, of course, only romance and legend. But the Cid did indeed live and triumph.
One of his greatest victories was the conquest of that rich and beautiful city, Valencia (vȧ-lĕn´shĭ-ȧ), which is still called Valencia del Cid.
Columbus of—Where?
"Please, a little food and shelter. We are very hungry and tired!"
The man was Christopher Columbus, and the child, Diego, his son. Weary and discouraged, they had arrived at the monastery of La Rabita.
For a long time, Christopher Columbus had been trying to interest the Spanish court in his scheme to sail across the unknown ocean. He thought that by sailing west he would reach Asia.
But the King and Queen were busy with their struggles against the Moors, and they would not listen to him.
The kind monks at the monastery of La Rabita sheltered Columbus and his little son. They also gave heed to his eager hopes and plans, and at last Prior Perez of the monastery wrote a letter to Queen Isabella.
As we well know, Queen Isabella made it possible for Christopher Columbus to sail across the ocean and discover America. But nobody yet has really discovered Christopher Columbus.
Where was he born? Some say in Italy, others, in northern Spain. Perhaps Columbus was a Jew who changed his religion and nationality. This could well have been, because at that time the Jews in Spain were being tortured and sent away from their country.