Final answer:
Historians were skeptical about Viking settlements such as Vinland until archaeological finds provided evidence, leading to acceptance of Norse exploration. The European pursuit for cod across the Atlantic was driven by its value as a food and trading commodity, while maritime technological advances like the lateen sail and magnetic compass facilitated transatlantic navigation and exploration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Historical Maritime Challenges and Technological Advancements
Historians initially disbelieved stories of Viking settlement in Vinland due to a lack of concrete historical and archaeological evidence. It wasn't until the discovery of Norse artifacts at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland that the academic community began to accept these accounts as factual representations of pre-Columbian transatlantic contact.
Europeans were motivated to sail across the Atlantic to fish for cod because of the immense value the fish had in terms of both nutrition and economy. Cod became a staple in European diets and formed the basis of a lucrative trade.
The Age of Exploration saw significant advancements in maritime technology, including the adoption of the lateen sail and the magnetic compass, which allowed Europeans to sail out of sight of land. These innovations, alongside others like the astrolabe and the sternpost rudder, marked the beginning of transatlantic voyages and changed the course of history with events such as the Columbian Exchange and the Treaty of Tordesillas.