By Science News
Edgy approach
I feel that there is a major factor that nobody takes into account when modern people set out to replicate possible ancient voyages (“Erectus Ahoy,” SN: 10/18/03, p. 248: Erectus Ahoy). It is that they’re attempting to get from point A to point B, which they know exists, but ancient seafarers weren’t. Setting off from Timor on a 600-mile voyage without knowing whether there is any land out there seems like a terrific leap of faith. Even sailors in the Middle Ages were scared that they were going to sail off the edge of the world. Surely, Homo erectus would be.