Greeks/Phoenicians/Romans in America?

[Gleemonex]

I think it is important to stress that a reconstruction or re-enactment does have limits. Heyerdahl proved that reed boats are capable of ocean crossings, not that there were extensive trade links between the Carthaginians and the Olmecs.

I agree 100%. My post was aimed generally; it wasn't meant to target you.

I've seen others make less measured assessments of re-enactment, however. And that's why I stressed that re-enactment should be taken for what it is (in addition to being a fun time) -- a demonstration of what is theoretically possible or feasible, provided that the methods and equipment are historically accurate.

An interesting reflection of this, strangely enough, is in the movie "Apollo 13". Gary Sinise's character is grounded when Apollo 13 launches, but when the return capsule encounters technical problems he re-enacts the conditions in a simulator. At one point, he castigates the engineering crew for providing him with the wrong type of flashlight (and also refuses to take a break).

-Glee

[ludwag]

Thor Heyerdal is from Norway

[oudysseos]

Yes he was.