islands after Columbus arrived. Other historians overlooked the Indian
slave trade, begun by Columbus; Las Casas denounced it as "among the
most unpardonable offenses ever committed against God and mankind."

Machiavelli: Nicolo Machiavelli (1469-1527)
Political philosopher, author of The Prince, that focuses on problems of
a monarch, the foundation of political authority and how to retain
power, rather than pursue ideals.

Maravedis
Spanish currency. One million Maravedis (one cuentos) in 1490 is
equivalent to about 308 English Pounds in 1860, or US$ 48,000 in 2005.

Martyr, Peter
Peter Martyr d'Anghera wrote early accounts of Columbus, Ojeda, Cortes,
and other Spanish explorers.
An Italian humanist from Florence.
Served as tutor in the Spanish court and had direct access to Columbus.
Author of "De Orbe Novo" describing the first European contacts with
native Americans.

Moors
Arabs

Provence
Province of southeast France bordering on the Mediterranean.

Pinzon, Martin Alonzo
Chief shipowner of Palos. Accompanied Columbus as a captain.