12-06-2005, 06:52 PM
Quite right, I mean it is fascinating when say, a small 'so called satue of Buddha' turns up in a Viking context in Birka, Sweden, or Roman trading posts/docks are tentatively identified in India (Remembering archaeologist Mortimer Wheeler's discussions on Roman trading installations and docks in Iran and India....probably spice trade with the Tamils).
However, the Romans do not enjoy a great reputation in the ancient world for their maritime ability and several thousand miles of Atlantic (not the Brendan Voyage route, but directly across very dangerous seas) is enough to keep this firmly in the field of fancy and creative speculation... until more solid archaeological evidence comes up I'll keep my head well below the parapet on this one.
However, the Romans do not enjoy a great reputation in the ancient world for their maritime ability and several thousand miles of Atlantic (not the Brendan Voyage route, but directly across very dangerous seas) is enough to keep this firmly in the field of fancy and creative speculation... until more solid archaeological evidence comes up I'll keep my head well below the parapet on this one.