Luis de Santángel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Luis de Santángel
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Luis de Santángel, Treasurer of Aragon by Luigi Gregori, c. 1882-1884
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| Died | 1498 |
| Occupation | Finance Minister |
Luis de Santángel (died 1498) was an important person in Spain during the late 1400s. His family had converted from Judaism to Christianity a few generations before. Santángel worked for King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I of Spain. He was in charge of the royal money.
Santángel was very important for Christopher Columbus's journey in 1492. He helped convince the King and Queen to pay for Columbus's trip. He also gave a lot of money himself to make the voyage happen.
Contents
Columbus's Journey to the West
Helping Fund the Expedition
In 1486, Columbus met with King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I. He wanted to find a new way to India by sailing west across the ocean. The Spanish rulers were interested in his idea. However, they first said no because they were busy fighting a war.
To keep Columbus from asking other countries for help, the King and Queen gave him some money. They also gave him papers to get food and a place to stay in any Spanish town.
After the war ended, Columbus met with the King and Queen again in 1492. They talked about paying for his trip. Queen Isabella was still not sure. Columbus left the meeting feeling upset. He told Santángel that he would try to get money from France or England instead.
Santángel was the royal treasurer. He quickly met with Queen Isabella. He convinced her to agree to Columbus's plan. He told her about the great fame and glory Spain would get if Columbus found a new sea route. Santángel went even further. He found most of the money needed for the trip. He used his own money and borrowed more. He did this so the Queen would not have to sell her valuable crown jewels.
Columbus's First Letter
After his first journey, Christopher Columbus wrote a letter. This important letter about his discoveries was sent to Santángel.
Santángel's Family History
Santángel's grandfather was Jewish. He converted to Christianity in the 1400s and changed his name to Luis de Santángel. After this, the Santángel family became very successful and rich. All three generations of Santángels served the Spanish royal family.
Protection from the Spanish Inquisition
The Spanish Inquisition was a time when many people, especially those who had converted from Judaism, were watched closely. They were often suspected of secretly practicing Judaism. However, Luis de Santángel and his close family were protected. They were not targeted by the Inquisition.
Even so, one of his relatives was punished in a city called Saragossa. On May 30, 1497, King Ferdinand II made a special rule. This rule said that Santángel, his family, and their future children would be safe from the Inquisition.
Despite his high position and protection, some believe Santángel wanted to help Jewish people escape danger. He might have funded Columbus's journey hoping it would lead to a safer place for them. After his trips, Columbus was given the island of Jamaica. Many Jewish people from Spain and Portugal later found safety there.
A Book Inspired by Santángel's Life
In 2010, a writer named Mitchell James Kaplan published a book. It was called By Fire, By Water. This book tells a made-up story about Luis de Santángel's life in the 15th century.
The novel includes real events and situations. These include Santángel's job in the royal court and the Spanish Inquisition. It also talks about Columbus's journey. The book explores how the Inquisition affected people who had converted from Judaism. It also shows Santángel's strong desire to help Columbus. He hoped to find a place where Jewish people could live without fear.
Images for kids
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A bust of Luis de Santángel in Alameda de València.
See also
In Spanish: Luis de Santángel para niños
