character. To learn this we must look into the condition of
civilization, and particularly of Italian civilization, in the middle
sixteenth century.

Columbus was born in a brilliant period known now as the Renaissance--a
French word meaning re-birth--which marks the beginning of modern
history. It followed a long, painful period known to us as the Dark
Ages, or Middle Ages, namely, the period between ancient and modern
times. In the Middle Ages humanity was very ignorant, hampered by all
sorts of evil superstitions; while the daily life of the people was
miserable and without comforts, lacking many things which we consider
necessities. Yet even in those far-away days things were improving,
because man has always felt the desire to make his lot better; and the
constant effort of these people of the Middle Ages led to that beautiful
awakening which we call the Renaissance.

One of the first glimmers of this new life may be said to have come from
the Crusades. The Europeans who had journeyed down into Asia to drive
the Mohammedans, or Saracens, out of the Holy Land, came back impressed
with the fact that these infidel Asiatics had more refinement and
courtesy than Christian Europe knew. The returning Crusaders introduced
some of this refinement into their own countries, and it caused people
to abandon some of their rude ways. Of course there were many more
influences working toward the great awakening, principally the growth of
commerce. All Europe became alive with the desire for progress; many new
things were invented, many old ones perfected; and before the
Renaissance ended it had given us some wonderful discoveries and
achievements--paper and printing; the mariner's compass; an
understanding of the solar system; oil painting, music, and literature;
and lastly, the New World.