Vikings:

• attempt to create a settlement on a newfound continent
• die from exposure and indigenous counter-offensives
• sod the whole thing and go home

Early-modern European kingdoms:

• attempt to create a settlement on a newfound continent
• die from exposure and indigenous counter-offensives
• send soldiers to newfound continent to wipe out locals and loot cities
• die from combat and disease while plundering worthless trinkets and garbage
• create new settlements with the help of exiled criminals, fringe religious movements, and anyone you could bribe/scam into going along
• waste money protecting settlements from war and famine, while colonial governors and slaveowners accrue riches you'll barely see
• settlements go to war against you for sovereignty and win
• Enlightenment era introduces moral principles that recognize you as the undisputed bad guy in all of this

I think I know who got off best in all this mess