犹太人对地理大发现的贡献和参与

The Contribution and Participation of Jews in the Great Geographical Discovery

地理大发现作为由西葡两国主导的海洋征服活动,在人类史上具有划时代的伟大意义。而在伊比利亚半岛的科学、经济等领域有着突出成就的犹太人,对于地理大发现有着独特和不可忽视的贡献。不仅"美洲发现者"哥伦布被认为可能拥有犹太血统,更重要的是,犹太人和马兰诺在技术、资金、人员等方面为哥伦布远航提供了必不可少的支持:星盘、象限仪、地图、罗盘、天文表等重要航海设备几乎都离不开犹太科学家的努力,航行所需的资金主要由犹太人和马兰诺赞助者提供,此外,在哥伦布的随行船员中有不少马兰诺。犹太人通过参与地理大发现这一重大事件,不仅极大地拓展了犹太民族自身的活动空间,而且彰显了边缘少数群体在推动现代世界形成中的重要作用,进而成为某个民族以其特殊经历影响人类文明发展进程的重要事例。

The Great Geographical Discovery refers to the unprecedented maritime conquest activities in which Spain and Portugal played a leading role; it is considered a landmark of great significance in the human history. With their outstanding achievements in the scientific, economic and other areas on the Iberian Peninsula, Jews made unique and significant contributions to the Great Geographical Discovery. Not only was Christopher Columbus ＂the discoverer of America＂ thought to be of Jewish descent, but also more importantly, Jews and Marranos provided essential support for Columbus＇ voyage in areas of technology, funding and personnel. Astrolabe, quadrant, map, compass, astronomical tables and other important navigational equipment were almost inseparable from the efforts of Jewish scientists; the funds which navigation required were mainly provided by Jewish and Marrano sponsors; the Marranos also served in Columbus＇ fleet as crew members. By contributing and participating in the Great Geographical Discovery, Jews not only greatly expanded their activity space, but also demonstrated the important role of marginal minorities in promoting the formation of the modem world. It thus became an important example of a nation with its special experience influencing the development of human civilization.