The Venetian Zeno Brothers: An Untold Story of Atlantic Crossings

TLDRThe story of the Venetian Zeno Brothers challenges the belief that pre-Columbian Atlantic crossings were impossible. They accompanied the Earl of Orne on his raids and successfully conquered settlements in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, and Greenland. They encountered hostile natives and discovered new lands in the west. Their adventure was cut short, but their letters and maps provide evidence of their journey.

Key insights

📜The Venetian Zeno Brothers challenged the belief that pre-Columbian Atlantic crossings were impossible.

🚢They accompanied the Earl of Orne on his raids and successfully conquered settlements in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, and Greenland.

🌍They encountered hostile natives and discovered new lands in the west, described as fertile and green.

🗺️Their adventure was cut short, but their letters and maps provide evidence of their journey.

🎣Fishermen have often had knowledge beyond what historians give them credit for.

Q&A

What were the Venetian Zeno Brothers known for?

The Venetian Zeno Brothers were known for accompanying the Earl of Orne on his raids and successfully conquering settlements in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, and Greenland.

What did the Zeno Brothers encounter during their journey?

The Zeno Brothers encountered hostile natives and discovered new lands in the west that were described as fertile and green.

Was there evidence of the Zeno Brothers' journey?

Yes, letters and maps reproduced by the Zeno family provide evidence of their journey.

What was the significance of the Zeno Brothers' journey?

The Zeno Brothers challenged the belief that pre-Columbian Atlantic crossings were impossible, highlighting the knowledge and capabilities of fishermen.

What happened to the Zeno Brothers' adventure?

Their adventure was cut short, as the crew became mutinously anxious to return home, but their legacy lived on through their letters and maps.

Timestamped Summary

00:04Introduction to the story of the Venetian Zeno Brothers and their journey of pre-Columbian Atlantic crossings.

00:38Details of the Zeno Brothers' extensive cargo logistics business in the Republic of Venice and their wealth as shipping magnates.

01:44Encounter with the Earl of Orne and their involvement in his raids and conquests in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, and Greenland.

02:19Meeting with local fishermen who had been shipwrecked and held captive by a tribe of savage cannibals.

02:42Discussion of the fertile and green lands discovered by the Zeno Brothers and the possibility of setting up a settlement.

03:39Mutinous crew and the decision to cut short the adventure and return home.

03:51Reproduction of letters and maps by the Zeno family as evidence of their journey.

04:25The knowledge and capabilities of fishermen in navigating the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic.