Could an ancient Mediterranean galley be blown across the Atlantic and survive the voyage?
Short answerPossibly on the outward crossing, but supplies and the absence of a reliable return route make sustained contact much less likely.
NotesAn accidental westward crossing was physically possible for some larger galleys, depending on season, winds, and currents. The vessel's endurance would be limited less by hull strength than by water, food, repair materials, and the ability to sustain the crew. Reaching land would not solve the harder problem of returning or establishing a repeatable route. Phoenician mariners provide a more plausible source of exploratory contact than Carthage because their political economy placed greater emphasis on maritime trade routes.