We recently had dinner with a social studies teacher and his family. They were a wonderful, warm family and we had a great time.
Halfway through dinner, we mentioned that we had visited Chusonji, a 20x20 temple that is gold plated inside and out with golden statues inside. It is one of the most famous sights in our region and is only a short drive from our house.
The social studies teacher got excited and asked us if we knew why Christopher Columbus discovered America. We said we didn't. He went to the map on his wall (only a social studies teacher has a world map on their dining room wall). When Marco Polo traveled in Asia, he heard of the temple made of pure gold in northern Japan. Marco Polo never saw it, but he passed word of its existence on when he returned to Europe.
Christopher Columbus heard about it. As we all know Christopher Columbus was trying to go to India. According to Japanese history, he thought he would stop over in Japan and see the Golden Temple and resupply before heading on to India. Alas, he bumped into the West Indies and discovered a landmass covering two continents that Europe hadn't found yet.
So, according to a Japanese social studies teacher, Christopher Columbus discovered America because he was trying to get to northern Japan.
Who knew?
That makes history relevant! Love trivia! ,Dad
ReplyDeleteEvery family should have a world map on their dining room wall. Once I finish painting my dining nook, the first artist I want to put on my wall is Rand McNally!
ReplyDeleteSince I work for the Tribe I could give you a different version of history on the discovery of America.
ReplyDeleteDiana