WI: Hellenistic Discovery of the Americas

There is a field of history, though it often becomes pop pseudohistory, of the idea of Pre-Columbian groups from the Old World discovering the New World. We know with certainty that the Norse did. However, economics and a variety of other reasons meant that there was not a permanent involvement in the New World as there would be after Columbus centuries later. Bearing that in mind, earlier discovery of the Americas does not mean colonization or even long term involvement with the continents. However, it is an interesting topic for discussion. Therefore, what if the New World was discovered during the Hellenistic period by one of the nations of the Mediterranean?
 
I think they would just leave it alone. It would be of little importance to them. I dont have the strength to write a long answer now......., but I'll come back soon to write something substancial.
 
Carthage is probably only which could sail to Americas and come back. And I dobut that even they would care to colonise New World. Other nations and people are even more implausible.
 
Carthage is probably only which could sail to Americas and come back. And I dobut that even they would care to colonise New World. Other nations and people are even more implausible.
I don't know, the Carthagenians (Barcids) colonized Spain pretty successfully.
And in the New World they would have a psychological advantage of horses, dogs, metal weapons etc.
No gunpowder, but the germs would work for them.
I don't mean that Carthage would have the colonial Empire in the New World (not excluded though), but Carthage might easily gain a foothold there and the rest is trading European goods for gold. That is something Carthage is good at.
 

Raunchel

Banned
I could see the foundation of a trading post. But the Hellenistic kingdoms couldn't do that, they were on the wrong side of the Med. But as Lalli says, the Carthaginians were could, with sone luck, have gotten there. And if they had the idea that they could make good profits there, and somehow build up a reliable trade route, they would do it.

The main issue however is ships. They didn't have the right ones for such a trip.
 
A known America across the Atlantic since 500 BC would have some impact in Europe, even if no one travels there. At least Columbus could not claim to reach Asia by going west, and the West Indies and the Indians would have been called something else.

And there is the possibility of some people now and then traveling there, spreading diseases and technology.

Religious mission is also possible, from Jews, Cristians and Muslims.

And some people fleeing somewhere might feel able to go there.
 

Raunchel

Banned
Why? What does the New World have that Carthage/Rome/Hellenistic kingdoms want badly enough for anyone to go to so much trouble?

It really depends on where they end up, but gold always works. But you need a lot of things to go right for things to wirk out at this time.

Or an asb chocolate-related thing of course.
 
A known America across the Atlantic since 500 BC would have some impact in Europe, even if no one travels there. At least Columbus could not claim to reach Asia by going west, and the West Indies and the Indians would have been called something else.

And there is the possibility of some people now and then traveling there, spreading diseases and technology.

Religious mission is also possible, from Jews, Cristians and Muslims.

And some people fleeing somewhere might feel able to go there.

Depends how permanent colonies pre-Columbian Mediterraneans can found and if they are destroyed how much sources about these is exist on days of Columbus.
 
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