Vikings visited North America several centuries before Christopher Columbus, a new study states. This is the first time a specific year has been attached to the Vikings’ exploration of the contitent.
The research group behind the study, which was published in the journal Nature, has analyzed tree stumps at the world heritage site L’Anse aux Meadows on the island of Newfoundland in Canada.
Among other things, the researchers observed that the trees were felled by metal tools that only the Vikings had. The study states that they built homes at the site already in the year 1021 AD.
This means that the Vikings reached America at least 471 years before Christopher Columbus.
A story of Norse explorers
It has long been known that Europeans were there before Columbus, who arrived in 1492. This is, however, the first time scientists have found an exact year.
It is believed that the Norseman Leif Eiriksson and his crew were the first explorers to arrive in North America.
Eiriksson was born to a Norwegian father and an Icelandic mother, grew up in Iceland, and lived most of his life in Greenland. His father, Eirik Raude, is believed to have been the first colonizer of Greenland.
For a deep dive into Eiriksson’s fascinating story, read: The incredible story of Leif Eiriksson and his journey to North America
Source: ©️ NTB Scanpix / #NorwayTodayTravel
Do you have a news tip for Norway Today? We want to hear it. Get in touch at [email protected]
Leave a comment