Most people think that Christopher Columbus was the one who discovered America. However, history says America was discovered even before the birth of Columbus. A few say Vikings discovered America, and a few give whale credit to Columbus. But who discovered America is still debatable.
After all, there's always a person to welcome Columbus or Vikings. So, no one exactly knows who discovered America initially. In this article, let's dwell more about Columbus and the Vikings' voyage and their discovery. Let's dive in to uncover a few interesting and rarely-known historical facts.
After all, there's always a person to welcome Columbus or Vikings. So, no one exactly knows who discovered America initially. In this article, let's dwell more about Columbus and the Vikings' voyage and their discovery. Let's dive in to uncover a few interesting and rarely-known historical facts.
Columbus's Voyage
After collecting forceful contributions from the Spanish citizens, Columbus left the Palos de la Frontera on his three ships in 1492. And after a few weeks, the ship's captain found the land and alarmed Columbus.
The land that Columbus's crew discovered is known as San Salvador. Later, it was known as Guanahani. It was one of the islands in the Bahamas. Columbus took this as an opportunity and said he already knew this land to earn the highest position and fame from the Spanish crown.
The land that Columbus's crew discovered is known as San Salvador. Later, it was known as Guanahani. It was one of the islands in the Bahamas. Columbus took this as an opportunity and said he already knew this land to earn the highest position and fame from the Spanish crown.
The well-adorned natives welcomed him peacefully. But Columbus encountered them and took six people as servants. The natives wore gold bracelets, necklaces, and other precious ornaments on their bodies.
The Man's Own Account of Arriving in America
Columbus wrote in his diary pointing out Island people as follows.
"They become skillful servants as they quickly follow our orders without questioning. I think they can be easily turned to Christians since they seem to have no religion. If it pleases our Lord, I will take six of them to Your Highnesses when I depart so that they may learn our language."
"They become skillful servants as they quickly follow our orders without questioning. I think they can be easily turned to Christians since they seem to have no religion. If it pleases our Lord, I will take six of them to Your Highnesses when I depart so that they may learn our language."
Soon, Columbus became the richest person he could ever think of in the ancient era. He took 50 people from the island and made them into his slaves. The experts estimated that the population drastically decreased to 100,000 from 500,000 due to colonists.
Unfortunately, we celebrate and commemorate Columbus for discovering America. Columbus took 10% of the newly discovered lands' wealth such as gold, silver, pearls, and other precious stones. It was Vikings who discovered America in peace.
Unfortunately, we celebrate and commemorate Columbus for discovering America. Columbus took 10% of the newly discovered lands' wealth such as gold, silver, pearls, and other precious stones. It was Vikings who discovered America in peace.
It Was The Vikings Who First Discovered America
Columbus undoubtedly popularized America in European countries. But he isn't the one who discovered it. Leif Erikson, a Norse explorer from Iceland and a Viking, discovered America.
Leif Erikson was the son of Erik the Red, who discovered the first Norse settlement in Greenland. Leif ran across several islands and traveled farther distances to America. It seems like the discovery has run through their ages.
Leif Erikson was the son of Erik the Red, who discovered the first Norse settlement in Greenland. Leif ran across several islands and traveled farther distances to America. It seems like the discovery has run through their ages.
A 10-Year Layover
He initially traveled to Norway from Greenland. There he was quite influenced by Christianity, and soon, he converted to it. He even reached Canada and traveled across the Atlantic. However, it was considered more of a myth than reality. But in recent times, the archaeologists found evidence that Leif reached Canada.
The researchers even found that the Vikings lived in America for over ten years and then moved to other places. It's thought that the natives aren't comfortable with the presence of Vikings. So, considering this fact, the Vikings left the place.
Another most existing evidence about the existence of Vikings in America is their teeth filling tombs. Neither the Americans nor the Europeans practice teeth filling. Still, we can find such practice in America, stating that the Vikings have discovered America and stayed there longer.
The researchers even found that the Vikings lived in America for over ten years and then moved to other places. It's thought that the natives aren't comfortable with the presence of Vikings. So, considering this fact, the Vikings left the place.
Another most existing evidence about the existence of Vikings in America is their teeth filling tombs. Neither the Americans nor the Europeans practice teeth filling. Still, we can find such practice in America, stating that the Vikings have discovered America and stayed there longer.
Credit where it’s due
Whenever you ask a primary school student who discovered America, you hear the only answer is Christopher Columbus. Although Columbus made America popular in European countries, he didn't initially discover it. It's unfortunate to forget the Viking Leif Erikson who actually discovered America.
Whenever you ask a primary school student who discovered America, you hear the only answer is Christopher Columbus. Although Columbus made America popular in European countries, he didn't initially discover it. It's unfortunate to forget the Viking Leif Erikson who actually discovered America.