Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Vikings' Discovery of Greenland and America
A long time ago, people called Vikings from places like Norway and Sweden traveled far to find new homes.
One Viking named Eric the Red moved to Greenland and started a settlement there.
His son, Leif Erikson, sailed even further and found a place he called Vinland, which is thought to be in North America.
People have found old buildings and things in places like Newfoundland that show Vikings were there.
There's also a old map that shows Vinland, but some people think it might not be real.
So, the Vikings might have been in America even before Christopher Columbus.
Vikings, including Eric the Red and Leif Erikson, settled in Greenland around A.D. 986.
Leif Erikson discovered Vinland, believed to be in the New England area, during his voyages.
Archaeological evidence, such as buildings and Viking artifacts, was found in Newfoundland, suggesting Viking presence.
The authenticity of the Vinland Map, which shows Vinland, is disputed due to inconclusive tests.
The Vikings' discovery of America is contested, with some arguing it was before Columbus and others questioning the historical accounts.
- Who
- Vikings, specifically Eric the Red and his son Leif Erikson
- What
- Discovery and settlement of Greenland and Vinland (North America)
- When
- Around A.D. 986 for Greenland and later for Vinland
- Where
- Greenland and Vinland (believed to be in the New England area)
- Why
- To seek new homes and resources due to population growth and feuds
- Viking Period
- A.D. 750 to A.D. 1100
- Eric the Red's Exile
- Norway to Iceland
- Greenland Settlement Year
- A.D. 986
- Vinland Discovery
- Leif Erikson
- Vinland Location
- New England area (believed)
- L'Anse aux Meadows Excavation
- 1960-1968
- Vinland Map Authenticity
- Disputed (1972 and 1984 tests inconclusive)