Privileges and Prerogatives Granted by Their Catholic Majesties to Christopher Columbus

Explanation and Analysis of the Document

The Privileges and Prerogatives Granted by Their Catholic Majesties to Christopher Columbus explains the rights granted to Columbus should he discover new lands. The first part of the text talks about “some Islands and Continent,” not indicating any precise geographical features, for no one could know where Columbus might land and what territories he might discover. Despite its enigmatic language, the document gives Columbus a strong standing in those territories. He is conferred the titles and positions of Spanish admiral, viceroy, and governor of any territories he discovers. In other words, he was to be the only supreme authority representing the monarchs of Spain in those newly discovered lands. As viceroy and governor, he would rule on behalf of the Spanish monarchy and have full power to adjudicate all civil and criminal matters. The rank of admiral gives him the same powers at sea.

At the same time, the monarchs make Columbus and all his descendants members of the nobility so that he and his successors are entitled to use the noble title of don, abbreviated as “D.” The document also stipulates that Columbus's successors are to inherit the positions and titles of viceroy, governor, and admiral and goes on to explain that Columbus has the right to freely decide on all matters falling under the jurisdiction of admirals, governors, and viceroys and also a right to the privileges and salaries of such officials. Furthermore, the document is addressed to all people of Spain, including the royal son, other heirs, all dukes and members of the aristocracy, and the common people, requiring them to respect the rights of Columbus and his heirs.

All the privileges connected with these offices were granted to Columbus and his heirs, and anyone who did recognize them would be subject to “the pain of our (royal) displeasure” and a fine of 30 ducats for every offence. These privileges were granted before Columbus's first journey. It is highly possible that the monarchs gave Columbus this extremely strong position in the new lands because, in fact, they did not believe he would return from the expedition.