Visitors to Ancient America: The Evidence for European and Asian Presence in America Prior to Columbus

For many years people have speculated that Europeans visited America before Columbus in the late 15th century and have presented various pieces of evidence in support of their arguments. This book synthesises such evidence combining a historical overview of early American history with particular case studies pertaining to sites, inscriptions, artefacts and human remains which have formed the basis of arguments for and against such claims. William McNeil's study covers such subjects as ancient ship technology and capability, navigation and knowledge of winds and currents across the Atlantic prior to the 15th century. He assesses whether theories of Viking journeys to the coast of North America are justified, whether the Icelandic sagas are a record of such travels, and whether there are any other sources in European literature that may be interpreted as chronicling voyages to America. The second part of the book looks at sites within America that have been said to support the idea that America was visited by Europeans and Asians before Columbus.