The Vikings were the greatest sailors of the ancient world. They had a full fleet of boats. They were master builders and sailors. The Vikings sailed through the rivers of Europe and the large seas of Europe. The Vikings were able to sail through the Mediterranean Sea all the way to the Black Sea. They traded with cultures far away. The Vikings also crossed the ocean and found a new land and continent. The name of the place was Vinland.

Leif Eriksson always believed that there was something over the horizon. He had reports of lands west. Having no ties anywhere, Leif sailed west and found Iceland. Not being satisfied with just Iceland he eventually went further west to Greenland. The weather was very bad in Greenland. Every time he wanted to leave and go west, he was pushed by the winds around the tip of Greenland. Leif attempted sailing back again, but the ocean and wind didn't agree. So, he went west to find safety. He landed in an area of grass and vines. He called this place the land of Vines, or Vinland. It is found in Newfoundland, Canada.

Leif went back to his homeland telling people about this new land. A group of Vikings went to settle in the new world. They did not last long for many reasons. They had trouble with the environment, they weren't properly supplied, and the natives weren't very welcoming. The world heard rumors that Christopher Columbus was not the first one to find America. Until the 1960's, this was a true statement. Archeologists found metal fish hooks, pots, and other pieces of materials that did not match the natives. Eventually, the puzzle was solved and it was true that the Vikings were the first people in the Americas.