Did the Chinese Really Discover the World in 1421 as claimed by Gavin Menzies?
Philip reviews their maritime technologies, achievements, and where the truth probably lies.
Gavin Menzies’ controversial book 1421: The Year China Discovered the World captivated readers with its claim that the Chinese fleet under Admiral Zheng He circumnavigated the globe before Columbus. This talk will separate fact from fiction, delving into the remarkable achievements of Ming Dynasty maritime exploration, including their giant treasure ships and sophisticated navigational techniques. We’ll also critically examine the evidence—or lack thereof—behind Menzies’ claims and discuss how Zheng He’s expeditions were more about projecting imperial influence than discovering new continents. Where does the truth lie, and what does this story reveal about historical revisionism and our fascination with alternative histories?