Peter Martyr d'Anghiera, Italian-Spanish historian and author (d. 1526)

Peter Martyr d'Anghiera: The Premier Chronicler of the New World

Peter Martyr d'Anghiera, known in Latin as Petrus Martyr Anglerius or ab Angleria, in Italian as Pietro Martire d'Anghiera, and in Spanish as Pedro Mártir de Anglería, was a pivotal Italian historian and diplomat who served the Spanish Crown during the momentous Age of Exploration (1457-1526). While he never journeyed to the Americas himself, his unique position at the Spanish court granted him unparalleled access to the explorers returning from their epic voyages, including figures like Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, and Hernán Cortés. This direct access to firsthand accounts and official documents allowed him to become the foremost European chronicler of the early encounters with the 'New World'.

A Life Dedicated to Discovery Documentation

Born on February 2, 1457, in Arona, Italy, Peter Martyr d'Anghiera's intellectual curiosity and humanist education led him to Spain in 1487. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a respected scholar, educator to Spanish nobility, and a member of the Royal Council of the Indies. This influential role positioned him perfectly to gather and synthesize the burgeoning knowledge about the lands and peoples across the Atlantic. He recognized the historical significance of these discoveries as they unfolded, meticulously documenting them in a series of letters and reports intended for European intellectuals and potentates, effectively serving as an early form of international news correspondent.

The Monumental "Decades of the New World" (De Orbe Novo)

His most celebrated work, compiled from these extensive correspondences, is universally known as the De Orbe Novo decades (On the New World, or the Decades of the New World). Originally published in Latin between 1511 and 1530, the full collection comprises eight distinct "decades," each typically consisting of ten chapters. These volumes represent the very first comprehensive published accounts dedicated exclusively to the Americas, offering Europeans an unprecedented glimpse into previously unknown continents.

The De Orbe Novo stands as an invaluable primary source for understanding the initial interactions between Europeans and the indigenous populations of the Americas. Within its pages, Peter Martyr d'Anghiera meticulously describes:

• First Contacts: Detailed narratives of the initial encounters between European explorers and Native American civilizations, particularly those in the Caribbean islands (like the Taíno people) and parts of North America.
• Indigenous Cultures: Early, albeit often biased, descriptions of the customs, societies, and daily lives of various indigenous peoples, including those in Mesoamerica. His accounts provided foundational information about their social structures, religious practices, and material culture to a curious European audience.
• Geography and Natural History: Vivid descriptions of the diverse landscapes, unique flora, and unfamiliar fauna of the Americas. For instance, it notably includes the first recorded European reference to India rubber (a natural latex derived from certain trees), highlighting the novel materials and resources discovered.
• Exploratory Progress: A chronological chronicle of the major Spanish expeditions, triumphs, and challenges in the early years of the Age of Exploration, offering insights into the evolving understanding of global geography.

Enduring Legacy and Translations

Peter Martyr d'Anghiera's "Decades" profoundly influenced European thought, cartography, and policy regarding the Americas. His work provided the foundational narratives that shaped perceptions of the 'New World' for centuries. Its immense historical and geographical value is undeniable, offering critical insights into the initial phase of European expansion.

Recognizing its importance, De Orbe Novo was first translated into English in a partial version in 1555, making its groundbreaking information accessible to a wider audience. A more comprehensive and fuller English translation was later published in 1912, ensuring its continued study and appreciation by scholars and enthusiasts of world history and exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions about Peter Martyr d'Anghiera and De Orbe Novo

Who was Peter Martyr d'Anghiera?

Peter Martyr d'Anghiera was an Italian historian and diplomat who served the Spanish court during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He is renowned for writing some of the earliest and most comprehensive accounts of the European discoveries in the Americas.

What is Peter Martyr d'Anghiera's most famous work?

His most famous and significant work is the De Orbe Novo decades (On the New World), a collection of letters and reports detailing the early explorations and encounters in the Americas.

Did Peter Martyr d'Anghiera travel to the Americas?

No, he did not personally travel to the Americas. He gathered his information directly from explorers, official reports, and other firsthand accounts at the Spanish court, making his work an invaluable compilation of early testimonies.

Why are the "Decades" important in the history of discovery?

The "Decades" are crucial because they offer some of the first published, detailed narratives of European contact with indigenous American peoples, their cultures, and the geography of the 'New World'. They significantly shaped European understanding and subsequent exploration.

What notable "first" is mentioned in De Orbe Novo?

Among its many descriptions, De Orbe Novo contains the first recorded European reference to India rubber, highlighting its detailed observations of new natural resources.