Exactly that. Suppose that every legend about colonies had some truth to them? Colonies that survived and those who had the potential for colonization. For surviving colonies,well what if Rapa Nui survived,expanded along the East Pacific and was able to colonize part of California to the Southwest? Or Vinland survives,allies with powerful natives and establishes a presence throughout Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes or beyond. The Makassar of Indonesia sets up villages in North Australia bringing some livestock.
As for potential colonies and theories,consider the Phoenicians who were sailors,maybe some of them made it to Mesoamerica. Mayhap,the legend of Madoc was actually true.
And what would be the impact if so? Would there be conflict with various colonial powers? What the cultural aspects would there be or ramifications for back home? Surviving,thriving and expanded Vinland and/or Rapa Nui might mean colonists who go to Scandinavia or Polynesia with new ideas and products.
As for potential colonies and theories,consider the Phoenicians who were sailors,maybe some of them made it to Mesoamerica. Mayhap,the legend of Madoc was actually true.
And what would be the impact if so? Would there be conflict with various colonial powers? What the cultural aspects would there be or ramifications for back home? Surviving,thriving and expanded Vinland and/or Rapa Nui might mean colonists who go to Scandinavia or Polynesia with new ideas and products.