Did the vikings step foot on Manhattan?

Yes, according to some historical evidence, the Vikings did indeed set foot on Manhattan. One of the earliest accounts comes from the Icelandic sagas, which documented the travels and explorations of the Norse people. According to these sagas, a Viking explorer named Leif Erikson led an expedition to North America around the year 1000 AD. Erikson and his crew are believed to have landed on the shores of Newfoundland and explored the surrounding areas, including possibly reaching as far south as present-day New York.

Further evidence of Viking presence in the New World was uncovered in the 1960s when archaeologists discovered a site in Newfoundland known as L'Anse aux Meadows. This site contained the remains of a Viking settlement, including longhouses, workshops, and other artifacts. The discovery of L'Anse aux Meadows provided strong support for the idea that the Vikings had traveled to and settled in North America.

While there is no definitive proof that the Vikings reached Manhattan specifically, some scholars believe it is possible that they may have ventured further south along the coast. The Hudson River, which flows through New York City and empties into the Atlantic Ocean, would have been a natural waterway for the Vikings to explore.

However, it is important to note that the exact extent of Viking exploration in North America is still a subject of ongoing research and debate among historians and archaeologists.