Zichmni facts for kids

Zichmni was an explorer-prince mentioned in a book published in 1558. This book was written by Caterino Zeno from Venice. He claimed it was based on old letters and a map from his ancestors, the brothers Nicolò and Antonio Zeno. These documents were supposedly from the year 1400.

The book describes Zichmni as a powerful leader. He ruled islands located near the southern coast of a place called Frisland. This island was said to be larger than Ireland and found south of Iceland. However, many historians believe Frisland was a made-up place.

Who Was Zichmni?

The 1558 book tells a story about Prince Zichmni. It says he went on a long journey of exploration in 1398. The Zeno brothers, Nicolò and Antonio, supposedly joined him on this adventure.

A Journey Across the Ocean

According to the book, Zichmni and the Zeno brothers sailed across the North Atlantic. They reportedly reached Greenland. Some modern writers have even suggested they might have traveled as far as the coast of North America.

However, historians do not all agree on this story. There is a lot of debate about whether the Zeno letters are real or if the voyage truly happened.

Was Zichmni a Real Person?

Some people who believe the story think Zichmni was a real person. They suggest he was a Scottish nobleman named Henry Sinclair. He was an Earl of Orkney.

But other experts disagree with this idea. They have found problems with linking Zichmni to Henry Sinclair. They think it is very unlikely that they were the same person. The first person to suggest this link was Johann Reinhold Forster in 1784.