Welcome to Kiwi Log - the musings of a displaced Kiwi experiencing the many delights of London, can't wait for the 'black snot'! I make no apologies to anyone that doesn't get the 'in jokes' - you should have gotten to know me better when you had the chance.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

They can't have thought much of the place...

An article on Stuff.co.nz is claiming that there is a map that may prove that New Zealand was actually discovered by the Chinese!
Experts believe the analysis has the potential to indicate a Chinese explorer discovered America before Christopher Columbus. It would also reinforce theories that Chinese were the first to discover Australia and New Zealand.

The lab has been asked to test the paper and ink used for a Chinese map dating to 1763. It is a copy of a map dating back to 1418 and - may show Admiral Zheng He discovered America more than 70 years before Christopher Columbus, according to an article in The Economist last week.

The map apparently shows a clear depiction of the Americas, New Zealand, Australia, Africa and Europe.
They can't have thought much of the place then! A waterfront property in 1418 must have been a bargain?

posted by Frit at 6:36 am