Ponce de Leon and the foundation of youth: why did Ponce de Leon sail the Caribbean Sea looking for the mysterious Fountain of Youth? What did he find instead?Characters Narrators A-E A-E, AE above-elbow; see under amputation. Juan Ponce de Leon Noun 1. Juan Ponce de Leon - Spanish explorer who accompanied Columbus on his second trip in 1493; in 1513 he discovered Florida while searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth (1460-1521) Ponce de Leon (PAWNT-suh day lay-OWN), explorer Pedro Nunez de Guzman (NOON-yez de gooze-MAN), Spanish knight Christopher Columbus, explorer Nicolas de Ovando, governor of Hispaniola Leonor, Ponce de Leon's wife Juan Gonzalez, Spanish soldier Juan Bono, Ponce de Leon's friend Anton de Alaminos, navigator Francisco de Ortega, ship's passenger Beatriz de Ortega, his wife Hernan Ponce de Leon Ponce de Le·ón , Juan 1460-1521. Spanish explorer who sailed with Columbus on his second voyage (1493-1494) and discovered Florida (1513) while looking for the legendary Fountain of Youth. Noun 1. , Ponce de Leon's nephew Pedro Jimenez, sailor Juan Garrido, sailor * Taino (TAY-no) Indian Names in red are leading roles. * Starred character is fictitious. Terms to Know * Hispaniola (hiss-puh-NYO-luh): An island in the Caribbean Sea Caribbean Sea (kâr'ĭbē`ən, kərĭb`ēən), tropical sea, c.970,000 sq mi (2,512,950 sq km), arm of the Atlantic Ocean, Central America. that was once a Spanish colony and is now home to Haiti and the Dominican Republic Dominican Republic (dəmĭn`ĭkən), republic (2005 est. pop. 8,950,000), 18,700 sq mi (48,442 sq km), West Indies, on the eastern two thirds of the island of Hispaniola. The capital and largest city is Santo Domingo. . * The Fountain of Youth Fountain of Youth legendary fountain of eternal youth. [World Legend: Brewer Dictionary, 432] See : Unattainability : A magical spring in the legends of Indians in the New World. If people drank or swam in the water from this "fountain," they would become young again. * SCENE 1 Cadiz, Spain, 1492 Narrator NARRATOR. A pleader who draws narrs serviens narrator, a sergeant at law. Fleta, 1. 2, c. 37. Obsolete. A: Juan Ponce de Leon was born into nobility, but his family fell on hard times. As a boy, he became a servant to Pedro Nunez de Guzman, a Spanish knight. Later, Ponce de Leon fought to drive the Moors [Spanish Muslims] out of Spain. Then, in 1492, exciting news took Spain by storm. Pedro Nunez de Guzman: Juan, have you heard about the remarkable voyage of Christopher Columbus? Juan Ponce de Leon: I know that Columbus went looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. a westward route to China, but found a new land instead. And now he has returned to Spain with amazing a·maze v. a·mazed, a·maz·ing, a·maz·es v.tr. 1. To affect with great wonder; astonish. See Synonyms at surprise. 2. Obsolete To bewilder; perplex. v.intr. tales of his discoveries. Guzman: They are not just tales. He has brought back spices, slaves, exotic birds The Exotic Birds was a pop music group formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1983 by three Cleveland Institute of Music percussion students, Andy Kubiszewski, Tom Freer and Tim Adams. They wrote their own music and were described as synth pop, techno-pop and techno-dance. , and gold from the Indies. Ponce de Leon: I hear that King Ferdinand Noun 1. King Ferdinand - the king of Castile and Aragon who ruled jointly with his wife Isabella; his marriage to Isabella I in 1469 marked the beginning of the modern state of Spain and their capture of Granada from the Moors in 1492 united Spain as one country; they has given Columbus permission to go on a second voyage. How I would love to be part of such an adventure! Guzman: I will use my influence in the court to see that you get aboard. Narrator A: In September 1493, Columbus begins a second journey to the Indies. Ponce de Leon is one of about 1,200 men on Columbus's 17 ships. Christopher Columbus: This is a rough crossing, men. But it will be worth it once we reach Hispaniola. Narrator A: After 22 days at sea, Columbus's fleet lands on the island of Hispaniola. This will be Ponce de Leon's home for the next 15 years. * SCENE 2 Santo Domingo Santo Domingo, pueblo, United States Santo Domingo (sän'tə dəmĭng`gō), pueblo (1990 pop. 2,866), Sandoval co., N central N.Mex., on the Rio Grande; founded c.1700 after earlier pueblos were destroyed by floods. , Hispaniola, 1502 Narrator B: Ponce de Leon marries Leonor, the daughter of a Santo Domingo innkeeper An individual who, as a regular business, provides accommodations for guests in exchange for reasonable compensation. An inn is defined as a place where lodgings are made available to the public for a charge, such as a hotel, motel, hostel, or guest house. . They have three daughters and a son. Ponce dreams of owning land and becoming a farmer, but the island's governor has other plans. Nicolas de Ovando: The Taino Indians on the eastern side of the island are rebelling. We must bring peace to Hispaniola. Ponce de Leon: But we have so much to learn from the Taino. They are excellent farmers. Ovando: They must do as we say. I want you to lead our forces against them. If you succeed, I will reward you. Narrator B: Armed with rifles and crossbows, Ponce de Leon and his men quickly put down the rebellion. Ovando: Ponce, you have been a loyal servant. I am naming you governor of the island's eastern province. Ponce de Leon: Thank you, sir! I will build a beautiful stone house there. Leonor: But how will we support ourselves? Ponce de Leon: We will raise crops and animals. This land and these crops are the real gold of the New World! * SCENE 5 Salvaleon, Hispaniola, 1506 Narrator C: Ponce de Leon becomes wealthy, raising sugarcane, corn, and livestock. One day, a visitor calls. Leonor: Who is this man? Ponce de Leon: He is a Taino, but not from Hispaniola. Taino Indian: Senor, I have come to trade with you. I brought some yellow stones that I think you will like. Leonor: Stones? That's gold! Ponce de Leon: Where did you find these things "These Things" is an EP by She Wants Revenge, released in 2005 by Perfect Kiss, a subsidiary of Geffen Records. Music Video The music video stars Shirley Manson, lead singer of the band Garbage. Track Listing 1. "These Things [Radio Edit]" - 3:17 2. ? Taino Indian: On my island-Borinquen [bo-ri-KEN]. We have many more yellow stones there. Ponce de Leon: I must tell the governor. Narrator C: Borinquen is 50 miles east of Hispaniola. Ponce de Leon leads an expedition to explore the island. He and his men arrive there in 1508. Ponce de Leon: This land is beautiful, and the harbor is perfect. Juan Gonzalez: But where are we? Ponce de Leon: We shall call this place Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (pwār`tō rē`kō), island (2005 est. pop. 3,917,000), 3,508 sq mi (9,086 sq km), West Indies, c.1,000 mi (1,610 km) SE of Miami, Fla. ["rich port," in Spanish]. Narrator C: Ponce de Leon returns to Hispaniola and tells of the wealth to be found in Puerto Rico. In 1509, he goes back to the island as governor. * SCENE 4 Caparra, Puerto Rico, 1511 Narrator D: Ponce de Leon builds sugarcane plantations and gold mines. He also cruelly mistreats the island's Taino Indians, forcing them to work as slaves. In 1511, King Ferdinand replaces him as governor of Puerto Rico The Governor of Puerto Rico is the Head of Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Since 1948, the Governor has been elected by the people of Puerto Rico. Prior to that date, the Governor of Puerto Rico was appointed by either the King of Spain (during the time of Spanish . But the King also authorizes Ponce, now 51, to search for the island of Bimini. Ponce tells a friend about this mythical island, and about a mysterious Fountain of Youth that is said to be located there. Ponce de Leon: The Indians say that if an old man drinks from it, he will become young again. Juan Bono: A Fountain of Youth? You don't believe such nonsense! Ponce de Leon: Perhaps not, but our aging King hopes I can find it. He needs to stay young until an heir is born. Narrator D: On March 3, 1513, Ponce de Leon sails north in search of Bimini and the Fountain of Youth. A month later, his ships approach an unknown land. Francisco de Ortega: Look at all those palm, pine, and cypress trees. Beatriz de Ortega: There are so many flowers! I've never seen anything like this. Ponce de Leon: Since we have come here during the Feast of Flowers [Easter], we shall call this land "La Florida La Florida (Spanish for "flowery") is a commune of Chile located in Santiago Province, Santiago Metropolitan Region. Stats
Narrator D: On April 8, 1513, Ponce de Leon sails south along the Florida coast, still searching for the Fountain of Youth. Suddenly, his ships encounter an unexpected current. Anton de Aliminos: Captain, this is most strange. The wind is blowing southward south·ward adv. & adj. Toward, to, or in the south. n. A southward direction, point, or region. south , and yet the ocean is pushing us to the north. Ponce de Leon: We are being blown backwards--against the wind. I would not believe it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Narrator D: Ponce de Leon is the first European explorer to encounter the Gulf Stream. This powerful current runs northward along Florida's east coast and then crosses the Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean [Lat.,=of Atlas], second largest ocean (c.31,800,000 sq mi/82,362,000 sq km; c.36,000,000 sq mi/93,240,000 sq km with marginal seas). Physical Geography Extent and Seas . Soon, European navigators will use it to speed their trips back to Europe. While exploring the coast, Ponce and his men meet a group of Calusa Indians. Alaminos: Captain, the natives are holding up animal skins--and gold! They must want to trade with us. Ponce de Leon: Perhaps they can lead us to the Fountain of Youth. Beatriz: Look out! They're shooting arrows at us. Francisco: These Indians don't want to trade! They want to kill us! Narrator D: In October 1513, Ponce de Leon returns to Puerto Rico. Although he didn't find Bimini and the Fountain of Youth, he did discover something else: Florida! * SCENE 5 Caparra, Puerto Rico, 1521 Narrator E: In 1514, King Ferdinand authorizes Ponce de Leon to colonize col·o·nize v. col·o·nized, col·o·niz·ing, col·o·niz·es v.tr. 1. To form or establish a colony or colonies in. 2. To migrate to and settle in; occupy as a colony. 3. Florida. Seven years later, in 1521, Ponce is finally ready for a second trip to the "Land of Flowers." Ponce de Leon: With 200 men and great determination, we will establish a new settlement in Florida. Hernan Ponce de Leon: Our priests will convert the Indians to Catholicism. All for the glory of God! Pedro Jimenez: But we should be armed in case they are hostile. Narrator E: Ponce de Leon lands on the west coast of Florida in March 1521. He and his men start to build a settlement. Then ... Hernan: Uncle, the Indians are attacking! What shall we do? Ponce de Leon: Fight back! Juan Garrido: Here they come! Narrator E: A fierce battle rages. The Spanish push the Indians back. Jimenez: We've done it! We saved our settlement. Garrido: Governor, are you all right? Ponce de Leon: An arrow has pierced my thigh. The wound is deep, and I cannot stand. Hernan: We must take you back to civilization. Prepare a boat--we will sail for Havana at once! Narrator E: Ponce de Leon's wound becomes infected, and within days he is weak and feverish. He dies in July 1521 in Cuba. His body is placed in a tomb in San Juan, Puerto Rico San Juan (IPA: [saŋ hwaŋ]) (from the Spanish San Juan Bautista, "Saint John the Baptist") is the capital and largest municipality on Puerto Rico. , where the following words are written: "Here rest the bones of a Lion, mightier in deeds than in name." * EPILOGUE ep·i·logue also ep·i·log n. 1. a. A short poem or speech spoken directly to the audience following the conclusion of a play. b. The performer who delivers such a short poem or speech. 2. Forty-three years after Ponce de Leon's death, French explorers established a settlement near what is now St. Augustine, Florida Parameter not given Error... ''Template needs its first parameter as beg[in], mid[dle], or end. Parameter not given Error... . But in 1565, Spanish soldiers destroyed the settlement and reclaimed the land for Spain. Florida remained under Spanish control until the U.S. acquired it in 1819. Ponce de Leon established several cities in Puerto Rico List of cities in Puerto Rico, arranged in alphabetical order. : Top - 0–9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A
San Juan (săn wän, Span. sän hwän), city (1991 pop. 353,476), capital of San Juan prov., W Argentina. It is a commercial and industrial center in an agricultural region. , the capital. He is often called "the father of Puerto Rico." Your Turn: THINK ABOUT IT 1. Was Ponce de Leon a brave explorer or a cruel landowner? Explain. 2. Imagine that you sailed to the New World in 1500. What might you see? OBJECTIVES Students should understand: * Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon led the first recorded expeditions to areas that today are Puerto Rico and Florida. TEACHING STRATEGY Have students locate the following places on a map: the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Florida, and Spain. Now ask your students the following questions: "How long did it take to sail from Europe to North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. in the 1500s? What was life like during such a voyage? What did the Europeans see when they reached North America?" BACKGROUND In 1493, Christopher Columbus returned to Spain from his voyage to the West Indies West Indies, archipelago, between North and South America, curving c.2,500 mi (4,020 km) from Florida to the coast of Venezuela and separating the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico from the Atlantic Ocean. . King Ferdinand gave him a grand reception, and permission to make a second trip to the Indies. Ponce de Leon was one of 1,200 men who took part in Columbus's second journey to North America. THINKING SKILLS COMPREHENSION: How did Ponce de Leon become wealthy in the New World? (Ponce de Leon became wealthy as a farmer; raising corn, sugarcane, and livestock. Later, he earned money by starting plantations and gold mines in Puerto Rico.) MAKING CONNECTIONS: Why did Ponce de Leon search for the Fountain of Youth? (After being removed as governor of Puerto Rico, Ponce de Leon needed other ways to gain wealth. Though he may not have believed the legends about the fountain, Ponce de Leon hoped to find valuable lands during his search for the legendary spring.) ACTIVITY AN EXPLORER'S DIARY: Ask students to imagine that they sailed with Ponce de Leon on one of his voyages. What job would they have had on the ship? What kinds of lands, people, and animals would they have found? Ask students to write a diary of their journey. STANDARDS SOCIAL STUDIES, GRADES 5-8 * People, places, and environment: How European explorers, like Ponce de Leon, made a number of important voyages of discovery to North America. * Power, authority, and governance: How Spain used these discoveries to establish colonies in North America, and how Spain soon became wealthy and powerful from colonization. RESOURCES * Ciovacco, Justine, The Encyclopedia of Explorers and Adventurers (Scholastic, 2003). Grades 5-8. * Slavicek, Louise Chipley, Juan Ponce de Leon (Chelsea House, 2003). Grades 5-8. WEB SITES * Ponce de Leon www.enchantedlearning.com/ explorers/page/d/deleon.shtml * European Exploration http://library.thinkquest.org/ J002678F QUICK QUIZ Select the letter of the word or phrase that best completes each sentence. --16. During his first voyage, Ponce de Leon--. A. tried to find the Fountain of Youth B. went searching for a water route to China C. sailed with Christopher Columbus to Hispaniola --17. On Hispaniola, Ponce de Leon--. A. helped to subdue sub·due tr.v. sub·dued, sub·du·ing, sub·dues 1. To conquer and subjugate; vanquish. See Synonyms at defeat. 2. To quiet or bring under control by physical force or persuasion; make tractable. 3. an Indian rebellion B. built the first stone church in the Americas C. bought an inn with his wife, Leonor --18. As governor of Puerto Rico, Ponce de Leon--. A. treated most Taino Indians fairly and justly B. became wealthy by trading with the local tribes C. forced the island's Indians to work as slaves --19. Ponce de Leon was the first European explorer to discover the Gulf Stream, a--. A. strong wind that blows around the globe B. powerful ocean current C. a mythical river that cures sick people --20. While searching for the Fountain of Youth, Ponce de Leon also --. A. sailed to Florida and claimed this land for Spain B. navigated up the Mississippi River Mississippi River River, central U.S. It rises at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and flows south, meeting its major tributaries, the Missouri and the Ohio rivers, about halfway along its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. C. encountered many friendly native tribes ANSWERS Quick Quiz 16. C 17. A 18. C 19. B 20. A |
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