[MR] Australia is period

[Sharon Gordon]

SYDNEY (Reuters) - A 16th century maritime map in a Los Angeles library
vault proves that Portuguese adventurers, not British or Dutch, were the
first Europeans to discover Australia, says a new book which details the
secret discovery of Australia.

The book "Beyond Capricorn" says the map, which accurately marks
geographical sites along Australia's east coast in Portuguese, proves that
Portuguese seafarer Christopher de Mendonca lead a fleet of four ships into
Botany Bay in 1522 -- almost 250 years before Britain's Captain James Cook.

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http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSSYD3449720070321