Vikings discover America

Abstract

The paper analyzes the achievements of domestic and foreign scientists on the history of the discovery of America by the Vikings. Particular attention is paid to the source base, which includes written sources, data from genetic research, as well as data from archaeological excavations. The research is based on the principles of historicism, systematics, scientific objectivity, applied historical-genetic and systemic methods. The study of Icelandic sagas about the Vikings' travels to the shores of North America, the results of archeological excavations of L'Ans-au-Meadows – Viking settlements in America, as well as genetic research to detect the presence of Vikings in North America. The source base for Viking sea voyages to the West has been studied. Research data on the exact date of the discovery of North America by the Vikings are given.