Chinese explorer discovered America in 1421 - before Columbus was even born

If this map is genuine, we should have many more Chinese restaurants in place when Columbus, arrived.

FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE!

Who cares? It may be interesting for historians and for schoolbooks, but does it have any relevance. It doesnt say anything about the capacity of the modern nations. And the fact remains, that the "descovery" of America by Chritoph Columbus was the turning point for the history of the Americas (for good or for bad is for everybody to decide).

noooooooo, more reasons why china will soon own the US

So? The dominant society is western, so a revelation like this does nothing to dispute it.

for anyone saying "noooo this person got here first i know i'm right!" please stop!
no one in this day and age is going to KNOW who was in what is now known as the USA FIRST!

I wouldnt be surprised to find out this was fake, but if it was real then perhaps we can finally stop praising the crazy, people and land raping columbus and take that stupid holiday that by now everyone knows celebrates a falsely portrayed "hero". the guy didnt even find what he was looking for!

Yes, we all know that Columbus wasn't the first to "discover" America. I'm just saying that this map looks a little fishy. Here's some more articles regarding the map (from 2006 when the above article first ran in National Geographic) :
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/16/news/map.php
http://www.mcwetboy.net/maproom/2006/02/a_look_back_at.php

Alright. All in favor to remove Columbus Day from the Calender, say I.
Can't. My grandmother's funeral is scheduled that day.
Again?!

If the map is legit (not counterfeit), this is big news! Imagine the cost of reprinting all those school history textbooks!

What about European nomads that crossed over from russia to alaska ? THEY were the first.

Dont forget that anyone can change wikipedia. Which is kinda retarded. So if someone deemed this "unamerican" and "disgraceful to america, then they will change it according to their views. Besides anyone who still believes he discovered america is uneducated anyway. Have we forgotten that most of california was part of mexico forever and we ran them off their land? Read real history people don't base it off those worthless, completely outdated history books we had back then and probably still have in schools!

The Norse (vikings) got there first. They also invented the wheelbarrow and elected new kings.

Great ... if he's so smart he should've done something with it - unlike the current inhabitants.