Ep 4. Vikings in America

In America Unearthed season 2 episode 4, "Vikings in America," host Scott Wolter investigates the long-standing theory that Vikings may have explored and settled in North America long before Christopher Columbus arrived.

Wolter travels to Newfoundland, Canada to explore L'Anse aux Meadows, the only confirmed Viking settlement site in North America. There, he meets with archaeologist Birgitta Wallace, who has spent decades studying the site. She explains how the Vikings likely used the site as a base for exploring further into North America, a theory supported by the discovery of Viking artifacts found as far south as Maine.

Wolter also interviews local residents who claim to have evidence of Viking activity in the area, including tales of Viking-like ship carvings on nearby cliffs and rocks. He travels to these sites to investigate for himself, using his expertise as a geologist to analyze the age and origin of the carvings.

The episode also delves into the controversial Vinland Map, a purported map of North America created by the Vikings. Wolter meets with experts who have studied the map and discusses the ongoing debate over its authenticity.

Throughout the episode, Wolter presents evidence supporting the idea that Vikings may have had a significant presence in North America hundreds of years before Columbus, but also discusses the challenges of finding definitive proof. He explores competing theories and controversies surrounding the topic, offering viewers a comprehensive and thought-provoking look into this fascinating area of history.