All this was in conformity to theoretical expectations founded on the admission of the globular form of the earth.
The political consequences that at once ensued placed the Papal Government in a position of great embarrassment.

Its traditions and policy forbade it to admit any other than the flat figure of the earth, as revealed in the Scriptures.

Concealment of the facts was impossible, sophistry was unavailing.

Commercial prosperity now left Venice as well as Genoa.

The front of Europe was changed.