My memory's a bit rusty, but I remember hearing that China went from a sea-faring nation to one more land-based due to a particular dynasty. I wonder if they'd have gotten here first, and established a solid hold on the Americas had they not retreated from the seas during this dynasty. Of course, it could all be poppycock. Again, my memory is rusty.
I wonder if the Chinese would have allowed any natives to survive.
***I remember hearing that China went from a sea-faring nation to one more land-based due to a particular dynasty.***
I remember reading the same thing. They even sent ships as far west as the coast of Africa, so one can believe they also went east to the coast of North America.
When they returned, the emperor shut down all exploration for some reason.
I think someone, Sunken Civ?, posted an article about a Chinese ruler who had a great armada of ships take off on a major trip exploring the world. I seem to recall that something really bad happened. A huge storm? And after that not much more was done at sea.