who actually discovered america first
The discovery of America, one of the most significant events in human history, has been a subject of debate and controversy for centuries. The commonly held belief is that Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, was the first to set foot on the American continent in 1492. However, this notion has been challenged by various historians and researchers, who have put forth compelling evidence that suggests that America was discovered long before Columbus’s voyage. In this article, we will delve into the history of the discovery of America, exploring different theories and evidence to determine who actually discovered America first.
The commonly accepted narrative of Columbus being the first to discover America is based on his famous voyage in 1492. He sailed under the sponsorship of the Spanish monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, with the intention of finding a new route to Asia. After a long and arduous journey, Columbus landed on an island in the Bahamas, which he named San Salvador. He then went on to explore other islands, including Cuba and Hispaniola, and claimed them for Spain. This historic voyage marked the beginning of European colonization in the New World and paved the way for the eventual establishment of the United States of America.
However, there is evidence to suggest that Columbus was not the first European to discover America. In fact, there are claims that the Vikings, led by Leif Erikson, discovered America almost 500 years before Columbus. According to the Icelandic sagas, Leif Erikson and his crew set sail from Greenland in 1000 AD and landed on the North American continent. They named the land Vinland and stayed there for a brief period before returning to Greenland. This claim is supported by archaeological evidence, including the remains of a Viking settlement found in Newfoundland, Canada, in the 1960s.
While the Vikings may have been the first Europeans to reach America, they did not establish any permanent settlements or leave a lasting impact on the continent. On the other hand, Columbus’s voyage sparked a wave of European exploration and colonization, leading to the eventual establishment of colonies and the colonization of indigenous peoples in America. Therefore, Columbus is often credited with the discovery of America, as his voyage had a significant impact on the history and development of the continent.
But did Columbus truly discover America? Many argue that he did not, as America was already inhabited by indigenous peoples who had been living on the continent for thousands of years. The Native Americans had a rich and complex culture, with well-established societies and civilizations. So, while Columbus may have been the first European to reach America, he cannot be considered the discoverer of a land that was already inhabited by millions of people.
Another theory that challenges the idea of Columbus being the first to discover America is the possibility of pre-Columbian contact between the Old and New Worlds. This theory suggests that ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Chinese, may have had contact with America long before Columbus’s voyage. There is some evidence to support this theory, such as Chinese artifacts found in South America and Egyptian hieroglyphs found in the Grand Canyon. However, these claims are highly controversial and have been met with skepticism by many historians.
Apart from the Vikings and pre-Columbian contact, there are other claims of early explorations of America. Some historians argue that the Irish monk Saint Brendan reached America in the 6th century, while others believe that the Chinese admiral Zheng He may have discovered America in the early 15th century. There are also theories that the Polynesians and even the ancient Phoenicians may have reached America before Columbus. However, these claims are largely based on circumstantial evidence and lack definitive proof.
With so many theories and claims of early discoveries of America, it is challenging to determine who actually discovered America first. While Columbus’s voyage had a significant impact on the continent’s history, it is clear that he was not the first to reach America. However, the question of who truly discovered America may be irrelevant, as it was already inhabited by indigenous peoples who had their own rich and complex cultures. Nevertheless, the debate over the discovery of America continues to intrigue and fascinate historians and researchers.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of the indigenous peoples of America. This includes recognizing their role in the discovery and development of the continent. Many argue that the true discoverers of America were the indigenous peoples who have inhabited the land for thousands of years and have a deep connection to it. This perspective challenges the Eurocentric view of history and acknowledges the impact of colonization on indigenous communities.
In conclusion, while Columbus is commonly credited with the discovery of America, it is clear that he was not the first to reach the continent. The Vikings, pre-Columbian explorers, and even ancient civilizations may have had contact with America long before Columbus’s voyage. However, the debate over who discovered America first may be irrelevant, as the land was already inhabited by indigenous peoples with their own rich cultures and histories. It is essential to recognize and acknowledge the role of indigenous peoples in the history and development of America.
how to draw squash
Squash is a popular sport that has been around for centuries. It is a fast-paced game that requires strength, agility, and strategy. The game is played with a racket and a small rubber ball in an enclosed court. It can be played by two or four players, and it is a great way to stay fit and have fun at the same time. In this article, we will discuss how to draw squash, the equipment needed, the rules of the game, and some tips to improve your skills.
Before we dive into the details, let’s first understand what squash is. Squash is a racket sport that is played in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. The objective of the game is to hit the ball against the front wall, making it difficult for your opponent to return it. The game is played in a best-of-five format, with each game being won by the first player to reach 11 points. Squash is a physically demanding game that requires quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and endurance.
Now that we have a basic understanding of squash, let’s discuss how to draw it. Drawing squash can be a challenging task, but with some practice and patience, anyone can learn to do it. There are a few key steps that you need to follow in order to draw squash accurately. These steps are as follows:
Step 1: Start by drawing a rectangle for the court. The standard size of a squash court is 32 feet long and 21 feet wide. However, if you are drawing on a smaller piece of paper, you can adjust the size accordingly.
Step 2: Draw a horizontal line in the middle of the rectangle. This line will divide the court into two equal halves.
Step 3: Next, draw two vertical lines on either side of the court. These lines will mark the service boxes.
Step 4: Draw a small circle in the center of the court. This is where the players will stand to serve the ball.
Step 5: Now, draw two smaller circles on either side of the court, close to the front wall. These are the front service lines, and they mark the area where the ball must bounce before being returned by the player.
Step 6: Draw another small circle at the back of the court, close to the front wall. This is the “T” line, and it marks the center of the court.
Step 7: Draw a curved line from the back of the court, extending to the front wall. This line is called the “out line,” and it marks the area where the ball must land to be considered out of play.
Step 8: Draw two more curved lines on either side of the court, connecting the service boxes to the out line. These lines are called the “side walls,” and they mark the boundaries of the court.
Step 9: Now, it’s time to draw the players. Start by drawing a small circle for the head, followed by a larger circle for the body. Add two lines for the arms and two more for the legs. You can also add details like the squash racket and the ball to make the players look more realistic.
Step 10: Erase any unnecessary lines and add color to your drawing if you wish. Congratulations, you have successfully drawn a squash court and players!
Now that you know how to draw squash, let’s move on to the equipment needed to play the game. The most important piece of equipment in squash is the racket. Squash rackets come in a variety of sizes and weights, and it is important to choose one that feels comfortable in your hand. The racket should also have a good grip to prevent it from slipping during the game.
Next, you will need a squash ball. Squash balls come in different speeds, denoted by a colored dot on the ball. A double yellow dot ball is the slowest and is used by advanced players, while a red dot ball is the fastest and is recommended for beginners.
You will also need proper footwear to play squash. The court surface can be slippery, so it is important to wear shoes with good grip and ankle support to prevent injuries. Lastly, you will need appropriate clothing that allows for ease of movement and absorbs sweat.
Now that you have the equipment and know how to draw squash, let’s move on to the rules of the game. The basic rules of squash are as follows:
1. The server must stand in the service box and hit the ball to the front wall above the service line.
2. The ball must hit the front wall between the out line and the front service line, and then land in the opposite quarter of the court.
3. The player returning the serve must let the ball bounce before hitting it. After the first serve, the players can hit the ball on the volley (without letting it bounce).
4. The ball must hit the front wall before hitting the floor. If the ball hits any other wall before hitting the front wall, it is considered a fault.
5. The ball can only bounce once before being returned.
6. If the ball hits any part of the player’s body, it is considered a stroke and the point is awarded to the other player.
7. If a player hits the ball out of court, it is considered out of play, and the point is awarded to the other player.
8. Players must not block their opponent’s access to the ball. If a player interferes with their opponent’s shot, it is considered a stroke and the point is awarded to the other player.
9. The player who reaches 11 points first, with a margin of two points, wins the game. If the score reaches 10-10, the player who wins the next two points wins the game.
10. The player who wins three out of five games wins the match.
Now that you know how to draw squash, have the equipment and understand the rules of the game, here are some tips to help you improve your skills:
1. Practice, practice, practice! The more you play, the better you will become.
2. Work on your footwork. Squash is a game that requires quick movements, and having good footwork will help you reach the ball faster.
3. Focus on your grip. A good grip on the racket will give you better control over your shots.
4. Learn to anticipate your opponent’s shots. This will give you an advantage and allow you to prepare for your next shot.
5. Work on your backhand. Many players struggle with their backhand shots, so make sure to practice it regularly.
6. Watch professional players. You can learn a lot from watching how the pros play and incorporate their techniques into your game.
7. Stay hydrated and take breaks when needed. Squash is a physically demanding game, and it is important to take care of your body to avoid injuries.
8. Don’t be afraid to try new shots and techniques. This will make your game more unpredictable and keep your opponents on their toes.
9. Work on your fitness. Squash requires a lot of stamina and endurance, so make sure to incorporate cardio and strength training into your routine.
10. Have fun! Like any sport, squash is meant to be enjoyed. Don’t get too caught up in winning or losing, and remember to have fun while playing.
In conclusion, squash is a fun and challenging sport that requires skill, strategy, and physical fitness. Knowing how to draw squash, having the right equipment, and understanding the rules of the game are essential in becoming a skilled player. With practice and dedication, you can improve your skills and enjoy this fast-paced and exciting sport. So grab your racket and ball, head to the court, and start playing squash!