alternatehistory.com

Columbus was basically a con artist. We all know that. But let's suppose that Queen Isabella had sent him packing, and waited on someone with a sane plan for a westward trip to China and Japan. It was certain to happen sooner or later, probably sooner. So, when might such an expedition have been mounted, and with what plans? Presumably, it would be in large part a mapping expedition, perhaps with the captain saying, in essence, "We will begin by going as far to the west as the farthest known islands, where we will restock. Then were will go in different directions as far as we can, come back, and resupply, then go to the farthest islands we find. We will repeat this as many times as we can." Assuming the expedition includes three ships, and their final jumping off point is what we now call Ponta Delgado, then the ship to the northwest will certainly discover a new land mass: Newfoundland. They land, meet the locals and and are much amazed (and amazing), then head back to meet back up with the others, which turned back when their supplies ran low. But when might this happen? And who might captain the expedition?
Top