Did the Russians really never make it over to Alaska? It's just hard for me to imagine that no one had ever gotten across the Bering Strait before Columbus. Did someone make it across and not realize what they'd found? Were sailing technology/techniques undeveloped in Russia?
I have zero knowledge about this point in history and I would like some clarity. Thanks!
This has been asked before asked before, so while waiting for new insights, you might want to read e.g. this comment by /u/kieslowskifan in an earlier thread.