Book of Privileges

The so-called Book of Privileges contains valuable documents concerning one of the most significant figures in world history: Christopher Columbus. This discoverer of America in the service of the Spanish crown earned special privileges and benefits, a great title and power for his accomplishments. Thus the 1498 Book of Principals contains inter alia the famous Capitulations of Santa Fe, the contract dating April 17, 1492 between Columbus and the Spanish royal couple, Ferdinand and Isabella, concerning the payables and receivables for the explorer’s planned expedition to India. This is considered to be “one of the most politically significant contracts that was entered into by a private person and a sovereign” and offers a direct glimpse into this exciting chapter of world history!