Ancient CivilizationsThe Controversial Origins of the Maine Penny, A Norse Coin found in a Native American Settlement Posted on June 1, 2025 by Administrator Christopher Columbus is often remembered as the first European to discover the Americas, eventually leading to the colonization of these two continents by European powers. It is undeniable that Columbus’ voyage has earned him a place in history, however, he was not the first European to set foot in the New World. Such a title belongs to the Vikings who explored part of North America several centuries before Columbus.