The Epic of Madoc Ap Owain Gwynedd

Did a Welsh Prince named Madoc ap Owain Gwynedd discover America in the year 1170, over three centuries before Columbus? Most historians think not and in fact many doubt that the Prince himself ever existed. But the story is fascinating enough to explore, nevertheless. If it were ever proven true, it would rewrite the history of America.

The story relates about how Madoc and his brother Rhirid, both natural sons of the Welsh King of Gwnedd, Owain, became disillusioned at the fighting that had broken out at the death of their father. Having heard Viking tales of a strange land to the west, both brothers set forth with a small fleet to find that land. Madoc and his brother discovered it, left a hundred men to start a colony, and then returned to Wales to recruit more colonists.  Madoc and Rhirid returned to the land in the west with ten ships filled with colonists and then passed out of history.

History does record that there was an Owain King of Gwnedd, considered to be one of the greatest Welsh rulers in history. He had a number of sons, both inside and outside of wedlock. History is rather unclear as to whether one of them was named Madoc, not to mention whether he discovered America.

Speculation is rife about the ultimate fate of Madoc and his people. While some historians suggested he may have landed as far east as Florida or as far west as Mexico, most stories have him landing in Mobile Bay in what is now Alabama. The stories go on to suggest that Madoc and his people moved north and eventually settled somewhere in what is now the American Midwest where they were eventually absorbed by the American Indians. Naturally no one actually returned to Europe to report these supposed adventures in America.