Chinese ‘discovered’ America before Columbus

THE Chinese discovered gunpowder, paper and the compass, but it may be too early to claim they discovered America.

Chinese ‘discovered’ America before Columbus

A map purported to date from 1418 suggesting a Chinese fleet sailed to ‘America’ decades before Christopher Columbus was displayed in Beijing yesterday, but the piece of yellowing paper is at the centre of a storm of criticism over its authenticity.

The map, which is said to be an 18th-century copy of the 1418 original, shows north and south America in unusual detail.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Unlimited access. Half the price.

Annual €120 €60

Best value

Monthly €10€5 / month

More in this section

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited