We know for a fact that the Romans were here multiple times during the time of Christ/Augustus. And, obviously, the Vikings were here too. The point is not who got here first, it's who's "discovery" led to permenant settlement. After Zheng He, the Middle Empire basically sealed it's borders and went into decline until the opium wars. A worthy lesson for many on this website.
Very good point indeed!
Good candidates for the "culture bearers" who brought that instrument are the Vikings.
On the other hand, in truly ancient times there just about had to be cocaine dealers from Bolivia making it all the way to the Mediterranean!
What sources are you referencing that claim Romans visited the Americas multiple times during the time of Christ and Augustus?