Aware that the world is round, Christopher Columbus lobbies for a trip westward to Asia, but lacks a crew and ship.
The Catholic theologians at the University of Salamanca heavily disapprove of Columbus's plan, not being keen on ideas that go against the writings of Ptolemaeus.
Columbus is approached by Martín Pinzón, a shipowner from Palos, who introduces him to the banker Santángel, to whom Queen Isabella I owes money.
Columbus meets with the queen, who grants him his journey in exchange for his promise to bring back sufficient amounts of riches in gold.