> > The indians!
> 
> Not really. They were ALREADY HERE!
> http://besonline.rtm.net.my/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&f
> ile=article&sid=50486&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
> 
> January 17, 2006 - 03:13 PM
> 
>   China - An ancient Chinese map unveiled in Beijing o-n 
> Monday may prove it was a Chinese eunuch who first discovered 
> America, seven decades before Columbus stumbled upon the new world.
> 
> The map, which has gone o-n display in Beijing, is said to be 
> a 1763 copy of a much older map dating back to 1418. The map 
> clearly depicts Africa, Europe and the Americas.
> If it's proven to be authentic, it's strong evidence to 
> suggest that Zheng He beat Christopher Columbus, who arrived 
> in America in 1492, to discovering the new world. An article 
> in the economist said five academic experts o-n ancient 
> charts believe the map is authentic.
> 
> Gunnar Thompson, a specialist o-n old maps and early 
> explorers, told the magazine "it will revolutionize peoples 
> thinking about 15th century world history."
> 
> If Thompson is right, Admiral Zheng may have beaten Columbus 
> by at least 74 years, and 500 years of history would have to 
> be rewritten.


Unlikely.

Even the Chinese think it's crap.

A bloke named Menzies wrote a book called 1421.  It's been pretty well
rubbished over the years.  

Gunnar probably has his quote taken out of context, it's missing the bit at
the end which says "...provided it's true, and it's highly unlikely it's
not, as Menzies is an idiot."

Did you know there are lots of huge junks shipwrecked off the coast of New
Zealand?  No?  Menzies reckons there is, good old Zheng went everywhere!
He's a bit hazy on the exact details...

Tony

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