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Re: RAIN 10/10: Who really discovered America?



The recent Viking exhibit in DC pointed out that the settlement L'Anse aux
Meadows, Newfoundland was more indicative of an outpost than it was of a
colony. The same exhibit pointed out that changing climatic conditions had
an effect on the Viking settlements in Greenland as well as the sea route to
Newfoundland. Don't forget that the vessels used by the Vikings were
essentially open boats.

Mark Jaeger makes some excellent points concerning taking advantage of an
opportunity. IIRC my early history courses point out that the Portuguese
cautiously explored the coast line of Africa, remaining in sight of land so
as not to become lost. Columbus' great achievement is that he took on a
voyage out of sight of land to unknow areas. He assumed that by traveling
along a certain latitude he would encounter Asia. Why this latitude? Because
it was based upon star sightings. What Columbus did not have was a way to
calculate longitude ie distance traveled, that would not become available
until the early 19th century. But that is another story.


Peter A. Kurilecz CRM, CA
Manager, Records Management Group
Woodside Summit Group Inc
Midlothian, Virginia
Office: 804-744-1247 x23
Fax: 804-744-4947
mailto:peter.kurilecz@woodsidesummitgroup.com

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