Ancient Greek Transoceanic Exploration: A Technologist’s Perspective on a Suppressed History

By Nick Spanos

As a technologist, innovator, and someone who’s always questioned the established order, I’ve spent my life challenging the boundaries of what’s possible. You might know me as the guy who founded getaroom.com and nonoremotels.com 10 years before airbnb and the inventor of the multi-branch blockchain, paper ballot blockchain voting, the first implementor of exponetial growth formulas in defi, the founder of the first live cryptocurrency exchange right next to the New York Stock Exchange back in 2013 imortalized in the netflix documentary “Banking on Bitcoin”, and now exponential decaying taxonomy in defi and BlockchainSQL But long before I helped disrupt Wall Street and the modern financial system, I was just a kid tinkering in a garage out on the end of Long Island, the son of a mechanic.

Growing up where I did, auto parts took forever to arrive. We couldn’t just order something online and have it delivered the next day. If something broke, we had to fix it, adapt it, or even fabricate a new part from scratch. I learned to be resourceful, to think critically, and to build things with my own two hands. I built remote-controlled airplanes in the 70s, long before drones were a thing. I built a Heath Kit computer in 1978 with a soldering iron back when personal computers were only home built only. I even built quadcopters before you could buy them at the store. It was this hands-on experience that taught me that anything is possible if you have the right knowledge, the right tools, and the fixation on problem solving my father passed to me. These skills have helped me achive my wildest dreams, I managed politcal campaigns worked on 5 Presidential races as a senior advisor and even managed the Largest Night Club in the world at 26 years old, the world famous Webster Hall, I was lucky the Ballinger brothers believed in me.

I was also incredibly fortunate to have a neighbor Mr. Pollock who was an inventor, and almost a century old when I was just a kid. He ran Spanos Exxon our gas station on Sundays, when business was slow, we’d work together on all sorts of diy projects. He taught me to think outside the box, to question everything, and to love to create.

It’s this background, this blend of technical know-how and a healthy dose of skepticism, that leads me to question the accepted history of transatlantic voyages. As someone who’s built systems to challenge centralized control, I see parallels between my own work and the potential suppression of information about ancient accomplishments. I believe that the evidence for pre-Columbian contact, particularly by the Greeks and Minoans, is far stronger than is commonly acknowledged.

And it’s not just conjecture for me. As a sailor from pre-GPS times, I actually own two sextants. I know firsthand how easy it is to determine latitude with a sextant and a good set of tables. Finding longitude is a bit trickier, but not impossible, even without a modern chronometer. It’s this practical understanding of navigation that fuels my conviction that the ancient Greeks were capable of much more than we give them credit for.

This paper presents a case for reopening the investigation, for re-examining the evidence with a fresh perspective, and for challenging the dogma that has stifled this line of inquiry for too long.

Abstract

This paper argues that ancient Greek and Minoan civilizations possessed the technological capabilities, navigational knowledge, and economic motivations to undertake transatlantic voyages. Evidence includes Greek understanding of Earth’s circumference, the Antikythera Mechanism’s navigational potential, Mediterranean-style anchors found in the Bahamas, the Bimini Road structure, and potential Minoan copper mining operations in Michigan. We propose that dismissing this evidence stems from entrenched historical narratives rather than a genuine lack of support.

Introduction: Rewriting the Narrative, One Fact at a Time

Columbus didn’t discover America; he stumbled upon it. People were already here, and it’s increasingly likely that others had been here before him, including the Greeks and Minoans. The evidence is there, but it’s been consistently downplayed, dismissed, or outright ignored.

As someone who built the first live cryptocurrency exchange right next to Wall Street, I know a thing or two about shaking up established institutions and outdated narratives. The idea that ancient civilizations were technologically incapable of reaching across oceans is a false notion that needs to be shattered.

I’m not proposing some fringe theory cooked up in an echo chamber. I’m proposing a re-assessment based on concrete evidence and a willingness to challenge the status quo. This paper aims to re-evaluate that evidence in light of a more plausible, and perhaps deliberately suppressed, history.

I. Greek Navigational Prowess: Beyond Philosophy and Theater

The ancient Greeks were more than just philosophers and playwrights; they were skilled navigators, astronomers, and engineers. Their understanding of the Earth, their mastery of the sea, and their technological innovations put them in a prime position to explore the world beyond the Mediterranean.

A. The Geometrical Genius: Eratosthenes and the Circumference of the Earth

Let’s start with the basics: The Greeks knew the Earth was round, and they knew its approximate size. Eratosthenes’ calculation of the Earth’s circumference around 240 BCE wasn’t just a lucky guess; it was a testament to their scientific prowess.

As a technologist, I appreciate the elegance and simplicity of his method:

The Setup: Eratosthenes knew that in Syene (modern Aswan), Egypt, the sun shone directly down a well on the summer solstice, meaning it was directly overhead.
The Observation: At the same time, in Alexandria, about 800 kilometers (500 miles) to the north, the sun cast a shadow, making an angle of approximately 7.2 degrees with the vertical.
The Calculation: Eratosthenes reasoned that if the angle was 7.2 degrees, it represented 7.2/360 of the Earth’s total circumference. Using the known distance between Alexandria and Syene, he could calculate the Earth’s total circumference.
The Result: His calculation was remarkably accurate, within a few percentage points of the actual value.

This wasn’t just an academic exercise; it demonstrated a deep understanding of geometry and the Earth’s shape. It also provided a crucial foundation for long-distance navigation.

B. The Antikythera Mechanism: An Ancient Analog Computer for Seafarers

The Antikythera mechanism is arguably the most compelling piece of evidence for advanced Greek technology. Discovered in a shipwreck off the island of Antikythera in 1901, this device is an analog computer dating back to around 100 BCE.

As an engineer, I’m blown away by its complexity. It’s not just a bunch of gears; it’s a finely crafted instrument with over 30 bronze gearwheels, each precisely designed and manufactured.

What could it do?

Predict Eclipses: Solar and lunar eclipses were crucial events for ancient mariners, both for religious reasons and because they could be used for navigation.
Track Celestial Positions: The mechanism could track the positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets, allowing navigators to determine their location based on celestial observations.
Calendar Functions: It included calendar dials that indicated dates and even accounted for leap years.
Irregular Lunar Motion: It even modeled the complex, non-uniform motion of the Moon.

The million-dollar question: Why was such a sophisticated device found on a shipwreck?

The standard explanation is that it was an astronomical calculator or a teaching tool. But that’s a convenient way to dismiss its true potential.

Here’s my take: The Antikythera mechanism was a naval almanac.

Ancient navigators relied on the stars to guide them. But observing the stars directly can be difficult, especially in bad weather. The Antikythera mechanism would have allowed them to predict the positions of celestial bodies in advance, planning their voyages and estimating their location.

It could have been used to calculate lunar distances, where the angular distance between the Moon and certain stars is measured. Since the Moon’s position changes rapidly, this angle can determine the time at the Prime Meridian. By comparing this with local time (determined by the Sun), navigators could calculate their longitude.

So, the next time someone tells you the Antikythera Mechanism was just a fancy calculator, remember where it was found. The most likely explanation is that it was a vital navigational tool.

C. Practical Navigation: Latitude, Longitude, and Water Clocks

As a sailor who has actually used a sextant, I can tell you that determining latitude is surprisingly straightforward. All you need is a sextant, a set of tables, and a clear view of the horizon.

Here’s the process:

Measure the Angle: At local noon (when the sun reaches its highest point), use the sextant to measure the angle between the sun and the horizon.
Correct for Index Error and Dip: The sextant may have a small index error, which needs to be corrected. You also need to correct for the dip of the horizon, which depends on your height above sea level.
Find the Declination: Consult a nautical almanac to find the sun’s declination for that day. The declination is the angle between the sun and the celestial equator.
Calculate Latitude: Add or subtract the declination from the measured angle (corrected for index error and dip) to get your latitude.

That’s it! With a few simple steps, you can determine your north-south position with reasonable accuracy.

Finding longitude is much harder, but not impossible. It requires knowing the time at a reference point (like the Prime Meridian) and comparing it to your local time. The difference in time can be used to calculate your east-west position.

The Greeks didn’t have accurate chronometers like we do today, but they did have water clocks (clepsydras) that could measure time with reasonable precision. While these clocks weren’t accurate enough for precise longitude determination, they could have provided rough estimates, especially for long voyages. They were very complex for the day, where there was a float, and the cylinder slowly filled with water as it rises, pushing gears, etc. Some of these were made from glass and were very complex for the time.

D. Ship Design: Size and Seaworthiness

It’s easy to underestimate the capabilities of ancient ships. Greek triremes, used for warfare and trade, were typically 30–40 meters long. These weren’t just flimsy rafts; they were substantial vessels capable of carrying significant cargo and crew.

Compare that to the Acrohc Australis, the smallest boat to ever circumnavigate the globe, at 3.6 meters (11 feet 9 inches). Modern materials and design obviously give the Acrohc Australis an advantage, but the sheer size of Greek ships provided stability and capacity for extended voyages. They were built to withstand the rigors of the sea and carry the supplies needed for long journeys.

E. Conclusion: They Had the Tools, the Knowledge, and the Ships

The Greeks possessed the navigational knowledge, the technological tools, and the seagoing vessels to attempt transatlantic voyages. To dismiss this as impossible is to ignore the evidence and underestimate the ingenuity of ancient mariners.

II. Minoan Exploration: Bronze Age Pioneers

Before the Greeks, there were the Minoans. This Bronze Age civilization, based on the island of Crete, dominated the Mediterranean trade from around 3000 to 1100 BCE. Their skill as seafarers is undeniable.

A. The Copper Connection: Minoans Mining in Michigan?

Here’s a question that’s been rattling around in my head: Where did the Minoans get their copper?

Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. The Minoans used vast quantities of bronze for tools, weapons, and art. While they had access to some copper sources in Cyprus, it wasn’t enough to sustain their advanced civilization.

Now, let’s jump across the Atlantic to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This region is incredibly rich in native copper, meaning it’s found in its pure metallic form. Archaeological evidence shows that Native Americans were mining this copper as early as 5000 BCE. But here’s the kicker: some researchers suggest that the Minoans were also involved in this mining.

I know what you’re thinking: “That sounds crazy!” But consider the evidence:

Need for Copper: The Minoans desperately needed copper to maintain their bronze-based economy.
Seafaring Expertise: They were master mariners with extensive trade networks.
Michigan Copper: Michigan had a vast supply of easily accessible copper.

Some authors have claimed that Minoan artifacts have been found in Michigan. While these claims are difficult to verify, the possibility remains. Inlets of bronze were found that were mined in Lake Michigan, and the ancient mines were found. And there are even books written about how the Minoans were mining the copper to create bronze from Lake Michigan.

I postulate that the Minoans established temporary mining operations, trading with local populations and transporting copper back to Crete.

If they did mine copper in Michigan, that would rewrite our understanding of Bronze Age history.

B. Suppressed Evidence: A Deliberate Obscuring of History?

Here’s where things get even more interesting: There’s a growing sense that some of this evidence has been deliberately suppressed. As someone who built a platform to challenge the traditional financial system, I’m no stranger to the idea that established power structures will work to maintain their dominance.

There are allegations that findings related to ancient transatlantic voyages have been ignored, dismissed, or even actively covered up.

Could there be a deliberate effort to maintain the Columbus narrative? It’s a question worth asking.

III. Bahamas Anchors and the Bimini Road: Archaeological Anomalies

Now, let’s turn our attention to the Bahamas. The discoveries in this region provide some of the most intriguing evidence for pre-Columbian contact.

A. Ancient Greek Anchors: Out of Place, Out of Time

In 2005, a team of archaeologists discovered a series of stone anchors near Bimini, in the Bahamas. What makes these anchors so significant is that they are identical to ancient Greek anchors found near Thera (Santorini).

These anchors aren’t just some random stones; they are deliberately shaped and designed for maritime use. Their presence in the Bahamas suggests that ships from the Mediterranean reached this region long ago.

B. The Bimini Road: Nature or Ancient Construction?

The Bimini Road, also known as the Bimini Wall or the Steps of Bimini, is an underwater rock formation near North Bimini Island in the Bahamas. It consists of a series of large, flat, rectangular limestone blocks arranged in a line.

The controversy surrounding the Bimini Road is whether it’s a natural formation or a man-made structure. Geologists argue that it’s simply beachrock, a type of sedimentary rock formed along coastlines. However, others argue that the blocks are too regular and too precisely arranged to be natural.

Proponents of the man-made theory point to several features:

Rectangular Blocks: The blocks are remarkably uniform in shape and size.
Precise Arrangement: They are laid out in a straight line, with some blocks stacked on top of each other.
Supporting Stones: Smaller stones are found underneath some of the larger blocks, suggesting they were used for leveling.
Mooring Circles: Stone circles have also been identified near the Bimini Road, which could have been used for mooring ships.

As a technologist, I’m no stranger to challenging established narratives, I would say the location of these findings and shapes of these objects can’t be ignored.

C. What Columbus Found

It’s important to note that Columbus himself landed in the Bahamas. He didn’t “discover” an empty wilderness; he encountered indigenous populations and a landscape that had potentially been visited by others before. The Greek anchors and the Bimini Road suggest that he may have been following in the wake of ancient mariners.

IV. The Internet Effect: Rewriting History

In my world, the world of technology and disruption, we talk a lot about decentralization and the power of information. The internet has democratized access to knowledge, allowing people to challenge established narratives and question authority. But even in this digital age, there’s a battle for control over information.

It’s no secret that history is written by the victors. Dominant cultures often erase or rewrite the stories of those they conquer or marginalize. It has been said that many of the greek findings have been deleted and are not taught in schools anymore for some curious reason.

As someone who has seen the manipulation of information firsthand, I would suggest that there is a deliberate cover up or control of information regarding the actual state of the findings.

Conclusion: Reopening the Investigation

The evidence for ancient Greek and Minoan transatlantic voyages is circumstantial, but it’s also compelling. The Greeks had the navigational skills, the technological tools, and the seafaring vessels to cross the Atlantic. The Minoans had the motive and potentially the means to mine copper in Michigan. The anchors in the Bahamas and the Bimini Road offer tangible evidence of pre-Columbian contact.

What I’m proposing isn’t a replacement of the current narrative. There needs to be a re-evaluation of existing evidence, and an openness to alternative interpretations.

As the inventor of multi-branch blockchain technology, I know the importance of decentralization and transparency. We need to apply these principles to our understanding of history. We need to question established narratives, examine the evidence without bias, and be willing to accept the possibility that the past is far more complex and interconnected than we currently believe.

I’m not saying that we should throw out everything we know about history. I’m saying that we need to be open to the possibility that what we think we know is incomplete, and that ancient civilizations were capable of far more than we give them credit for.

Let’s continue to explore, investigate, and challenge the boundaries of what’s possible. That’s the spirit of innovation, and it’s the key to unlocking a more complete and accurate understanding of our shared past. And in the process, maybe we’ll rediscover some of the lost knowledge that has been deliberately hidden from us.

(References as previously included — ensure they are all present and accurate in the final version).

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