The educated world at that time already knew the Earth was round and even knew quite accurately the circumference of Earth, so they knew it would be much farther to travel to Asia by going west than going east.
So Columbus was wrong; but what people didn't know back then was that the existence of New World, which saved Columbus's @ss.
Show me the holes!
nothing you say detracts from the accomplishment
" Three can keep a secret... if two are dead "
The educated world at that time already knew the Earth was round and even knew quite accurately the circumference of Earth, so they knew it would be much farther to travel to Asia by going west than going east.
But why would they try the other way when they had already found a shorter way? But of course, you are right, if no one had tried, the New World would not have been discovered.
Show me the holes!