Secrets & Mysteries of the Sephardim

INTRODUCTION

The book “Secrets & Mysteries of the Sephardim”1 focuses on events on the Iberian Peninsula2 in the 15th century.

It is based on historical facts about the lives of the Portuguese and Spanish monarchs.3 These facts are partially or fully opposite to the legends created by the monarchs and influential political figures of the Holy Roman Empire4 of that time.

It is also based on the archival data of papal bulls5 found in the Vatican Apostolic library and many other archival sources.

And, of course, it is based on the genetic research of Christopher Columbus’ brother and son’s genes. This research and Columbus’s writing style questioned Columbus’s Italian origins and revealed his Portuguese-Sephardic origin. It also proves that Columbus’ birthplace was not Italy or Spain but Portugal. Readers can find a detailed description of the research in the book, “Christopher Columbus was Portuguese!” by Dr. Manuel Luciano da Silva.

Another mystery is where the name Columbus originated. There were many cases in history where people took the surnames of those who influenced their lives significantly.

In the opinion of this book’s author, Christopher Columbus might have taken the name of a person whose identity he could not reveal because of sensitive circumstances. But who was this person? And what heroic deed did this person perform that affected him so profoundly?

Along with the great Sephardim, such as Columbus and other prominent Sephardim who glorified the Sephardim throughout the world with their deeds, the first book includes characters from the time of Columbus who dishonored their Sephardic origin with their actions. These people are inhumane and include, among others, Thomas Torquemada.6

CHAPTER I. Portugal 1444 – 1459

It’s early morning in the palace, and two dozen servants are bustling about in the breakfast room.

The butler, standing at one of the large hall windows, was restlessly wiping the moisture from his pale face. His hand was half-trembling, and he often glanced through the window at the chapel. He motioned to the servants, setting the food on the table to hurry, and irritably made remarks to them when he saw they were not placed neatly.

According to traditions established by Pedro,7 Duke of Coimbra,8 all members of the royal family, both adults and children, must gather for a family breakfast every Sunday after morning prayers. Because of his busy schedule, Pedro wasn’t able to see his family every day. Therefore, a few hours during breakfast allowed him to meet them and discuss any concerns or problems that arose during the week.

“Thank God, we seem to have time,” the butler sighed with relief. He walked around the table again and ordered the servants to straighten the chairs. Then, he excused everyone and had 10 servants from the adjacent hall enter. These servants were more qualified in serving and were specially trained in court manners. It would be their job to serve the royal family members during the morning meal.

The butler again went to the window, crossed himself, and said, “Thank God,” as he saw members of the royal family leaving the palace chapel. Shortly after that, the door opened widely, and Duke Pedro, his wife, Duchess Isabella of Urgell,9 a prince, four infantes10, and three infantas appeared on the threshold.

With a broad smile, the butler approached the incoming monarchs. He bowed and said in a monotonous tone, “I ask your royal highnesses and your lordships to the table.”

The servants, dressed in elegantly starched clothes, immediately approached the carved oak chairs and bowed. Holding on to the high backs of the chairs with one hand and with beautiful movements of the other, they indicated to each family member to take their places according to position and age.

Duke Pedro was the guardian of his nephew, Prince Afonso,11 who was to become the king of Portugal in a year and a half on his coming of age. Pedro was the second son of the late King of Portugal, João the Great.12 After João’s death, the throne was inherited by Pedro’s older brother, Edward I.13 He ruled Portugal for only five years until he died of the plague at 46.

After Edward’s death, his wife, Queen Eleanor of Aragon,14 was denied the regency15 of her minor son, and Pedro temporarily inherited the throne.

He was elected the trustee of the king’s two minor sons, Prince Afonso and infante Fernando.16 The rules of the Portuguese court say a prince who reached 14 (the age of majority) had the right to rule.

After Duchess Isabella took her place at the table, the duke sat to her right. The seat next to the duke belonged to 12-year-old Prince Afonso. Afonso’s brother, 11-year-old Infante Fernando, sat next to him. The duke and duchess’s children held the following places: infantes Pedro,17 João,18 James19 and infantas Isabella,20 Beatrice,21 and Philippa.22

After everyone took his or her seat, the duke told the butler, who looked sickly, to leave. Then, he announced: “Now let’s praise God for all that he has given us.” Pointing to the decorations on the table, he uttered a short prayer: “Bless us, O Lord, for these, Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, and grant that all people have their daily bread. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

The servants approached the tables and began serving the meal. The duchess, who never had much to eat, finished her breakfast first. She turned to Afonso with a smile and said, “I asked your teachers how you were doing in your classes. All your teachers praised you highly, your highness. They enthusiastically said you were ahead of your planned training program, and you might finish your studies ahead of your coronation date.”

“Wonderful!” the duke exclaimed. He raised his glass to toast the prince. “All your efforts in your studies, my dear nephew, will bring you great success and be beneficial to our country.”

Turning to the duchess, he continued, “I thank you, my dear, for your curiosity about the prince’s academic progress, which pleases me excessively. It also reassures me since I have been very concerned about my dear nephew’s ability to rule such a complex state as our Portugal. But now I am relieved. I will soon be able to transfer the kingdom to a successful person who can cope with his duties. He will quickly become as great as my beloved brother, Edward, was.”

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart, uncle, for your kind words,” Afonso said politely, wiping his lips with a napkin. However, I still do not feel ready for such duties. I still do not know much and fear I cannot properly manage the country.”

Afonso continued, “I would like to ask you to delay this event until I feel I am ready.”

The duke, shaking his head empathetically, answered: “I perfectly understand, Afonso, but, unfortunately, what you ask is impossible. You have no idea what can happen when people discover that the coronation will be postponed. Many will immediately slander me. They will say I do not want to transfer power to the legitimate heir.

“You are well aware of what happened recently after my brother’s death. Queen Eleanor, your mother, who had received the right of regency, tried to become absolute rule over Portugal. She planned to make our country dependent on Aragon,23 where she was from. She dreamed of making our independent, freedom-loving homeland a vassal state and annexing Portugal to Aragon. If the Cortes24 did not intervene promptly and create a legislative document defining a fair regency, the unrest could have developed into a civil war. I hope you understand what I mean, dear prince, and I am sure you’ll agree that any questionable political decision could lead to significant destructive consequences.

“I beg you, Afonso, do not ask me that again. I assure you that you should not worry. Believe me. I will help you until you feel comfortable being a strong ruler.”

Noticing Afonso looked like he was about to protest, Pedro deftly changed the subject by turning to the duchess. “Dear Isabella, did you only inquire about the academic progress of my oldest nephew or both?”

Isabella replied: “Of course, I also inquired about infante Fernando’s progress. All his teachers except one assured me that Fernando is just as successful in his studies as Afonso.”

“You said, ‘except one,’” the duke asked with a slight frown.

“That’s right. His dance teacher.”

“What’s wrong?” asked the duke with surprise.

Fernando shrugged. Isabella continued, “His teacher said Fernando does not work very hard, especially when paired with a partner.”

“In pair dances?” asked the duke.

The duchess nodded. She planned to continue speaking when infante James unexpectedly broke into the conversation.

“Mother,” he said, “hard work has nothing to do with it. Fernando is just clumsy. Many of the senhoritas with whom Fernando danced told me. They all complained that the infante had stepped on their toes.”

“Clumsy? It can’t be!” the duke retorted. “I have often watched with delight how well Fernando skillfully wields a wooden sword in combat lessons. There he has no equal among his peers. Isn’t it true, Fernando?” The duke turned to the infante.

“Right,” answered Fernando proudly.

“So what is this report of alleged clumsiness in dancing?” the duke asked.

“I …, I …,” Fernando stumbled over his words.

Eight-year-old Phillipa exclaimed: “I know what it is! Fernando’s dance partners make him feel sick when he dances with them. So he deliberately steps on their feet. That way, he doesn’t have to dance with them.”

“Philippa!” exclaimed the duchess. “Why are you making up such a ridiculous story?”

“I’m not making anything up,” infanta Philippa said. “Fernando told me this in confidence. He also said it didn’t matter if you chose partners for him from the families of barons, counts, marquises, and other nobility. Just because they are noble doesn’t mean they are attractive. Tell them, Fernando. Fernando lowered his head and said: “I know now that I can’t share secrets with you, cousin, and I can’t trust your word.”

Philippa let out a guilty cry and covered her lips with the palm of her hand. “I forgot I gave you my word! Forgive me, please, Fernando,” Philippa sobbed.

Suddenly, the duke burst into laughter, wiped his lips with a napkin, and said: “Well, now, my dear infante. Your secret has been unintentionally revealed, and you can confess without hesitation. I assure you, we will all understand. Is it really that important that your dance partner is attractive? It’s just a class. I’m sure you’re quite a reasonable young man to understand this.”

“I understand it is just a class, Your Highness,” Fernando said. “But it’s also art. Is it not?”

“Yes.”

“So, if you agree with this uncle,” Fernando said, “then you will agree that inspiration is inherent in any art form. For example, let’s look at poetry. It’s impossible to write beautiful poetry without being fully inspired.”

“I fully agree with you, Fernando,” the duke said.

“Well, I must also find inspiration in my dance partner.”

“But my sensitive and spiritual nephew,” the duke said, “you do not have this fiery inspiration. The image you have of a couple is the opposite of inspiration itself. Did I understand what you are saying?”

“Absolutely, uncle,” Fernando said.

“My dear, Isabella, let’s consider each person’s individuality. Fernando, as you know, is an extraordinary person. So, here is my proposal. Let the infante choose his partner. It’s crucial the infante perfectly masters the technique of pair dancing in a short time. In a year and a half, we will hold several events for Prince Afonso’s coming of age and coronation. And after that, we will celebrate Fernando’s coming of age. It would be an embarrassment for our family if the infante danced awkwardly.”

“I am in full agreement with you,” Isabella said. “Right now, I can imagine the gossip the invited ladies will weave behind their backs at the ball.

“I know what we can do,” the duchess added. “We need to have a couple of dance competitions! I will invite the most charming dancers – young professionals – from all over Portugal to our royal school of dance. Those chosen will be invited to work at the school. This will allow Fernando to find the right dance partner.”

“What a wonderful idea, Isabella,” Pedro exclaimed. “What do you think, Fernando?”

“I’m not sure if my insignificant whims are worth such troubles,” the infante replied. “However, I thank you for your understanding, and I am very grateful for your desire to provide such spiritual care to me.”

About 50 young dancers arrived at the royal dance school a few weeks later. Duchess Isabella and infante Fernando were also there. The high bright hall was equipped like a small-style theater. There was a large stage that stood at a medium height. Musicians sat behind a half-closed curtain to the left of the stage. In front of the stage was a small space with chairs where teachers usually sat during training.

Armchairs were set up for the duchess and the infante, and another row was set up with benches and chairs for palace dance teachers, leaders of the competition, and other guests.

Before the competition started, the royal dance master approached the duchess and asked permission to sit behind her.

Isabella agreed and said, “I hope, sir, you have followed my instructions regarding the invited couples.”

“Oh, yes, I assure you, Your Highness! I followed your instructions to the letter. All the dancers are children of the highest nobility and well-known people with exceptional credentials. So, if fortune smiles on one of them and he or she is invited to serve in the palace, you will not be disappointed.”

When it was time to start the contest, the royal dance master ordered the host to begin. The music started to play, and they began to dance.

The royal dance master, apparently desiring to show off his knowledge, moved his chair closer to the duchess. He began to comment and gossip animatedly on this or that couple’s merits or lack thereof. The duchess pretended to listen, but she wasn’t paying attention. She watched the infante from time to time and saw he wasn’t interested in the dancers.

Seeing this, Isabella would repeatedly interrupt the dance master without watching until the end, and other pairs came onto the stage.

After many unsuccessful viewings, Isabella was beginning to think her idea to hold this performance had been a mistake. Then the second to last group of dancers came on stage, and Fernando started to perk up.

The music began to play, and the couples twirled around the stage.

It was evident the infante was observing them intently.

The duchess covered her face with her hand fan and looked through the fan holes at the infante’s eyes. First, they expressed interest, but the longer the dance went on, the brighter his eyes shined.

As the couple approached the edge of the stage, Isabella tried to determine to whom the prince was paying attention. She soon realized it was the female who had charmed him. She also was captivated by her.

She was certainly different from the others. She had snow-white silky skin, azure eyes, and an unusual grace.

The dance master noticed the duchess’ gaze, “Oh, yes, Your Highness. I see you are an expert in dancing. You correctly drew your attention to that couple. However, for this lovely young senhorita, they picked the wrong partner. Let’s not concern ourselves with him and look at how this young lady moves around the stage!

“It seems this senhorita does not touch the floor. She hovers like an angel, circling the surface of the stage. Also, please pay attention to her perfectly proportionally folded body and smooth, light hand movements. See her beautiful shoulders and neck. Look at how majestically she holds her head in relation to her elegant, supple back.

“And, most importantly,” he said, “pay attention to her expressive eyes. I admire your taste, duchess. This is the brilliance to brighten the royal halls during any celebration and make our school of the arts incomparable!”

Isabella turned to the dance master and said, “Perhaps, you are right, sir. We will discuss her candidacy later. Now, tell me. How many performances are left?”

The dance master glanced at the sheet of paper and answered, “Only one, Your Highness.”

The duchess turned to the infante and, covering her mouth with the fan, asked, “Infante Fernando, have you made your choice, or do you want to watch the rest of the performances? Honestly, I’m a bit tired and would like to return to the castle.

“In that case, we can both return to the palace,” Fernando said. “Of all the contestants, the young lady in the white dress is the best candidate to become my partner in pair dances. The dance master had so much praise for her.”

“I agree,” said Isabella.

When the dance was over, Isabella rose from her chair and turned to the dance master. “Sir, I am somewhat tired. In addition, it’s time for us to return to the castle. Please invite the young lady you have recommended to the palace tomorrow. I want to talk to her.

“By the way,” the duchess asked, “What is her name, and what noble family does she come from?” She started to head for the door. The dance master looked at his notes as he followed behind the duchess. He said excitedly: “Isabel Zarco. She’s the daughter of the founder of the Madeira settlement, João Gonçalves Zarco.”25

Isabella suddenly stopped and exclaimed, “João Zarco? The one-eyed sea captain? How unexpected! That’s great,” said Isabella.

She covered her eyes with her fan and had some pleasant memories.

“Oh, Your Highness!” exclaimed the dance master, “You know the governor of the Madeira Archipelago?”

“Members of the royal family should know the heroes of Portugal,” she said.

“As soon as his daughter appeared on the stage, I immediately noticed her majestic, regal posture. Now I understand where she got it from. Admiral Zarco is from an old Jewish royal family. From the family of King David, if my memory serves me right.

“It will be an honor to have such a beautiful member of his family in our royal arts school,” she continued. “Oh! If only I had known her before! I would’ve made her my lady-in-waiting.”26

The next day, Isabel Zarco appeared at the appointed time in the duchess’ Royal Reception room. Isabella sat in the queen’s chair. To the left and behind the chair stood servants. The duchess was dressed in a magnificent white dress. She wore precious jewelry that sparkled in the light.

“Come closer, Isabel,” said the duchess, smiling.

Isabel approached the duchess with small, graceful steps as if in a dance and greeted her with an elegant curtsy.

“As you have already been informed, we would like to offer you a position to serve as a dance instructor at the Royal School of the Arts,” the duchess said. But that’s not all. I also would like you to hold private lessons in the palace’s dance hall. Senhorita, think over my proposal carefully and give me an answer as soon as possible. I believe you will have to discuss this offer with your family. Is that correct?”

“Your Highness,” Isabel replied, “I can give you a positive answer right now. My parents knew about the competition and my desire to participate in it. They also agreed they would support such an offer if I were invited to serve in the palace. Our family has always been devoted to our rulers. Therefore, serving the royal family in the palace is an honor.”

Isabella smiled and nodded approvingly. “Thank you, senhorita, for your devotion to our throne and homeland. I know about the merits of your family and, in particular, your father, the famous hero of Portugal. I once met him at one of the royal balls. He had been invited after his glorious campaigns and victories over the Moors.27

“I must tell you a secret,” she continued. “He won the hearts of many senhoritas at that ball. Unlike other gentlemen, he looked like a real man, an unsurpassed gentleman, and a valiant hero. And he had a dignified attitude toward all the nobles with whom he communicated. It was so long ago, but it was an unforgettable event.”

The duchess finished recalling this moment with a deep sigh. “I am very pleased it’s the daughter of such an extraordinary person as your father who will be within the walls of our palace,” she said.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for the good memories of my father and your trust in me,” Isabel said with a curtsy.

Having completed all her planned audiences by noon, Isabella decided to visit Pedro to share her impressions with him. At the door to her husband’s office, she instructed the guard to notify His Highness of her arrival.

She entered the office, saying, “Dear, if you only saw how charming Isabel Zarco is. I can’t get over it. She inspires with her external beauty, sensitivity, freshness, courtesy, and ability to communicate. She is an angel sent from heaven. I am sure she will not only teach your nephew, Fernando, how to dance skillfully but will turn his head with her charm and attractiveness.

“But I am also concerned,” Isabella continued. “What if the prince becomes overly fond of her? Will there be undesirable consequences? What do you think?”

“I’m now more concerned about my nephew, Afonso,” Pedro answered anxiously, pointing to the parchment lying on the table in front of him. It was tied with a cord trimmed with gold threads.

“What is it?” Isabella asked.

“It’s a message from Castile28 from the former queen, Eleanor of Aragon, to her son, Afonso. We have intercepted several messages like these. She continually tries to turn her sons against me. She has not learned anything from her actions that almost ruined the country.

“Instead of being grateful that I solved all the problems, calmed the public down, achieved peace, organized her departure to Castile, and allowed her to bring up my nephews there, she continues to sow discontent,” he said.

“She is acting behind my back,” he continued. “She can’t wait until Afonso inherits the throne so she can complete her plans through him. How can I explain to Afonso the dangerous plans of his mother? When I try to discuss it with him, he reacts negatively. I am very afraid that, through Afonso, Eleanor will be able to harm both – our family and the country.”

“I understand, my beloved,” Isabella said sympathetically, “but let me tell you one thing. What a man cannot do, a woman can do. I think I know what we can do to prevent Eleanor from harming us.” Isabella immediately noticed the fear in the duke’s eyes. “Oh, no, dear,” she continued with a grin. “I will not advise you to do what others usually suggest in this situation. I hope you do not think that a person of nobility such as I could even consider assassinating anyone.”

“I would not even dare to think anything like that,” the duke declared in his defense.

“I propose, my dear, that Afonso marry our daughter. Infanta Isabella could be a worthy match for the future king of Portugal. Don’t you agree?”

The duke thought about it for a minute. “That’s quite tempting, my dear, but very risky,” he said. “In my opinion, the prince and infanta are indifferent to each other. This would be very difficult to do.

“I am also worried that by doing that, we can acquire another enemy,” Pedro said. “Afonso, Duke of Braganza,29 is the illegitimate son of my grandfather, King John the Good. His granddaughter is already betrothed to Prince Afonso.

“But the thing that worries me the most,” he continued, “is what happens to our daughter if Eleanor does manage to set her son against his spouse. And no one knows how all this will end.”

He concluded: “We should consider your suggestion carefully and make a final decision as soon as possible. However, we should not rush it. We should look at the situation, consider all the advantages, and decide what tactics and strategies are better, so we are prepared if Eleanor attempts anything.”

He continued, “Your suggestion, my dear, is probably the most logical and the only way to solve both governmental and our family problems.”

“In that case, my dear Pedro,” Isabella said, “let me know what you decide as soon as possible. And don’t worry about the consequences. After all, when a player is shortsighted and mad, he will inevitably lose. Eleanor is such a figure.