Educational Media Reviews Online

This excellent DVD traces the intense excitement and speculation surrounding the discovery in the 1960's of the Vinland Map, a previously unknown medieval manuscript that supposedly dated from about 1440, nearly 50 years before Columbus' voyage to America. The map shows a large island in the Atlantic labeled "Vinilanda insula," and supposedly is the first known representation of America on a map, done by the Vikings.

This documentary follows the detailed and very interesting history regarding the authentication of this map, with experts discussing the various scientific processes and procedures used. In the end, the map was proved a forgery, an embarrassment for Yale University who purchased and promoted it. A shady trail of intrigue and deception is uncovered by the investigation, and those who are interested in medieval manuscripts and their authentication will be very attracted to this film. The DVD also includes printable materials for educators, access to the NOVA website, as well as closed captions and described video for the visually impaired options.