Greeks/Phoenicians/Romans in America?

[Gleemonex]

[...] Although I am as quick as any to point out the limits of experimental archaeology, reconstruction, and re-enactment, Thor certainly did demonstrate that very old boats were absolutely capable of long voyages. [...]

Good post, oudysseos. But I want to comment briefly on the above.

I don't understand why so many people seem to get after re-enactors, or other re-creation endeavours. Taken for what they are, they can be the source of quick, tangible insight.

For example, as best I can gather (though I'm no historian) the question of spear grip in the hoplite phalanx was solved, or at least confirmed simply by asking re-enactors. If you hold under-hand, you nut the guy behind you. So over-hand it is. [1]

Not every question needs a PhD and years of peer review to be answered.

On another note, some of you may find this interesting:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zheng_He

-Glee

[1] If this turns out to be apocryphal, I have full confidence that other such examples can be found. I'm too busy/lazy to research right now

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zheng_He

-Glee

hey! I was about to point him out!!


I've also read about an ancient chineese fleet that traveled to the west, I'm not sure but Ithink I remembered something about a possible chineese boat (which... I can't seem able to translate it's name to english hehe)
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about the romans... I also read on that book that coins very similiar to the roman ones were found on yucatan's pelinsula