Contributor: Brian Anthony. Lesson ID: 11949
Have you heard of the City of Atlantis, the Fountain of Youth, or Utopia? They're all legends that entice our imaginations at times. The same is true of El Dorado — a tale of greed with lessons!
Unlock the realm of ancient myths and daring quests as you unravel the compelling mystery of El Dorado: the legendary city of gold.
One such legend that echoes through the annals of time is that of El Dorado, a fabled city said to be adorned with unimaginable riches.
Peer through the mists of time and delve into the historical context that gave rise to the El Dorado legend.
Prepare to witness the incredible journey of exploration and adventure that transformed reality into an extraordinary legend.
Through a critical lens, unravel the intricate web of human motivations, cultural dynamics, and the innate allure of fantastical tales that motivated people to warp and embellish the true account.
Get ready to be captivated by a journey that bridges history, legend, and the unwavering human spirit!
You've probably heard of the California Gold Rush, and you've certainly heard of the San Francisco 49ers football team.
The team's name commemorates the thousands of men who migrated to California in the late 1840s in search of quick wealth — in the form of gold. The real gold rush began centuries before when the Spanish conquistadores ravaged Central and South America to gather as much gold as possible.
The Spaniards arrived in the New World to find Indians with vast stores of gold riches. These natives didn't view gold and other precious metals the same way as the newly-arrived Europeans, for whom gold was a form of money.
Then, a small misunderstanding launched many frantic adventures in searching for this shiny mineral. It became known as the legend of El Dorado.
As you watch the video clip below, write down answers to the following questions.
After learning about the legend, consider these questions.
The discovery of the New World triggered fantasies about quick wealth, a healthier and longer life, and untold freedom. It was easy for Europeans to project their highest hopes onto this giant, abundant land.
In the Got It? section, take a look at how the legend of El Dorado took on a life of its own.
a small misunderstanding