M. Wilson - points well made :)  :)  :) (as in many smiles) The Mayans were already in substantial decline by the time of Columbus's discovery.  The Aztecs were also starting to decline.  The Aztecs were to the Mayans, as the Romans were to the Greeks.  The Mayans/Greeks created the culture and the Romans/Aztecs adopted it as their own.  The conquistadors came for the gold and the priests burned the books (anywhere they found them). Hmm, the Vikings were a little too far north to have any influence, but ya never know :) Merry Christmas to all!