John Blashford-Snell in search of the "first Panama Canal"
Colonel Blashford-Snell, a friend of '1421' has recently returned from leading an expedition which was part-funded by Gavin, and influenced by Cedric Bell, to find the precursor to the Panama Canal. This waterway, between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, features on mediaeval maps, years before the Panama Canal as we know it today was opened in 1914. The expedition was launched in Nicaragua, and was a resounding success. John and his team found several locations where it is possible, in the rainy season, to navigate rivers in a small boat from the Pacific, inland to Lake Nicaragua, and from thence downriver to the Caribbean and the Atlantic. He also found possible evidence of ancient man-made canals along the way. It is hoped that an expedition will return in the wet season to investigate the route further.
To read more about John's great adventures please visit: http://www.johnblashfordsnell.org.uk   
For a story in U.K.'s The Times concerning the Nicaragua expedition visit:  http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article7025756.ece   

To listen to an interview with John on BBC Radio Five Live at about one hour into the show click here http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qs83t  

Curious Peruvian ceramic figure - Oriental influence?
This curious piece of Mochica ceramicware can be viewed here:
http://www.gavinmenzies.net/gallery.asp?Section=Ceramics  
It dates from around 800-1200 A.D, and would suggest an Oriental presence in Peru years before the European arrival. Can anyone help us identify what the markings signify?

Zheng He - China's forgotten Admiral
Zheng He was the subject of a documentary made by the BBC. Our research was alluded to very slightly! You can listen to the programme here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2010/02/100204_chinas_forgotten_admiral.shtml

Liu Gang's 1093 map
We regret that the link to this research was broken in the last newsletter. You can read about Liu Gang's new book and his fascinating new map at the following link:

http://www.gavinmenzies.net/pages/evidence-1421/content.asp?EvidenceID=485