What do anthropologists mean by the term syncretism? Why does syncretism reveal about the nature of cultures? How does it impact our understanding of the developments that made Columbus's first voyage possible?

A dictionary definition of "syncretism" goes like this,

"The amalgamation or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought."

Basically it reveals how different cultures have developed through a mixture of indigenous and colonial influences. Certainly the European thirst for wealth and power spurred Columbus's first voyage. There is a much more detailed explanation in the book. In my copy, the pages are 112-113 and 134-136.