Were people persecuted in the 1400's if they didn't believe the earth was flat?

Question

I am trying to find sources that document the social climate of this time and if there is a record of Chirstopher Columbus's argument/defense/plea for support of his journey. If possible, could you cite your source.

Answer 1

By the time of Columbus, every educated person knew that the world was round. His argument was about the size of the earth. Scientist at the time knew the true size of the earth and knew that he could never sail to the Orient without stopping with the ships he had. He believed the globe to be smaller than it is. If the American Continent had not been in his way he would have failed.

Answer 2

Actually, according to every history book I've read, all educated people in Columbus's time knew the Earth was round. The peasants did not... Just off the top of my head, I know A People's History of the United States makes mention of that.

In the 1400's the persecution was directed toward Jews and witches. Perhaps if you started to make claims about the Earth, you would be fingered for a witch, but that's about it.

Answer 3

No, the shape of the earth was determined by the ancient Greeks, .Pythagoras used the shadow of the sun to prove that the earth was round and this will well known by scholars in the middle ages.
It is a myth that Christopher Columbus was sailing to prove the earth was round, he was searching for better trade routes to the east.

Answer 4

yes...Galileo was almost murdered by the Catholics for trying to tell the world Earth didn't rotate around the sun ! source...2004 Alamanic !and more !

Answer 5

They were thrown off the edge of the earth.

Answer 6

YES THEY WERE: try any good midevil history book.