Ancient map may show Chinese discovered America

AN ancient map set to be unveiled next week may prove that it was a Chinese eunuch who discovered America and not Christopher Columbus.

As all schoolchildren are taught, Columbus found the New World in 1492. But the copy of a map dated 1418 to be made public in Beijing on Monday and London a day later could show that it was in fact Admiral Zheng He who got there first, more than 70 years earlier.

If proved to be genuine, the clear depiction of the Americas, Africa and Europe will bolster his case significantly, according to the Economist. Gunnar Thompson, specialist on old maps and early explorers, said: “It will revolutionise our thinking about 15th century world history.”