Final answer:
The Vikings encountered indigenous peoples, called Skraelings, in North America, specifically Newfoundland. Led by explorers like Leif Erikson, they established a site at L'Anse aux Meadows but failed to colonize the region due to conflicts. The Vikings were the first Europeans to arrive in North America, predating Columbus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contacts and Legacy of the Vikings in America
When the Vikings arrived in America, they came into contact with the indigenous peoples, whom they referred to as Skraelings. Although it is not clear which specific group they encountered, it is likely that they met with ancestors of the Native American tribes that inhabited the Newfoundland area. Leif Erikson and subsequent Viking explorers established a site known as L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, around the start of the eleventh century. This pre-Columbian Norse exploration confirms that Vikings were the first Europeans to set foot in North America.
However, attempts at colonization by the Vikings in North America failed, leading to conflicts and violent interactions with the indigenous populations. The estimated number of people in the Americas during the time of Viking exploration is not detailed in the provided information. However, it is known that the Americas were densely populated with a variety of sophisticated cultures and societies before European contact.
The Viking explorations were significant as they were the first known European explorers to reach North America, even before Columbus. Their journeys were fueled by their advanced navigational techniques and driven by a zeal for exploration and trade. Despite the eventual failure of their North American colonies, the Vikings left an indelible mark on history as bold explorers and navigators of the seas, establishing early contact between the Old World and the New World.