Evidences of Viking Settlement in America: Archeological, Genetic, and Historical Insights
The idea that the Vikings reached America, once considered a mere historical curiosity, has now been supported by robust evidence from various fields. In this article, we will explore the archeological, genetic, and historical evidence that supports the claim that the Vikings had a significant presence in North America.
Archaeological Evidence
The most compelling evidence of Viking presence in North America comes from the archaeological site at L’Anse aux Meadows, located in Newfoundland, Canada. L'Anse aux Meadows was occupied in 1000 AD and later in 1010 AD by a more substantial Norse settlement.
In the 1970s, archaeologists discovered the remains of a village and Norse-style dwellings. These buildings were constructed around 950 years ago, making them much older than the buildings that indigenous people in 1010 could have built given their lack of advanced metal-working skills. One of the artifacts found at the site was a small, delicate item that appears to have been used for sewing, much like a thimble. This item is particularly intriguing because it was not something Indigenous peoples in North America had or used.
The L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
Today, L’Anse aux Meadows is open to visitors during the Canadian summer months, from late May to September. The site features a reconstructed Viking-style home, built using turf as the ceiling and roof. This reconstruction provides visitors with a tangible sense of what the early Norse settlement might have looked like.
Genetic Evidence
Genetic studies have provided another critical piece of evidence for the Norse presence in America. Scientists have found that at least 40 current Icelanders still carry DNA that is very similar to that of North American Native women. This genetic marker has been confirmed as a very old signature, indicating that at least one Native American woman may have travelled back to Iceland with Vikings who had settled in Newfoundland. This study confirms that the Vikings had substantive contact with Native Americans and were the first people to bring a Native American to Europe.
Genetic Studies and Their Significance
A DNA study conducted by scientists suggests that at least one Native American woman may have sailed back to Iceland with Vikings, who came to Newfoundland. The study found DNA in 80 living Icelanders that is similar to the DNA that Native Americans have. The scientists analyzed a type of DNA passed only from mother to child, which further emphasizes the direct genetic link between the Vikings and the indigenous population of North America.
Historical Evidence
The historical records also provide compelling evidence of Norse voyages to North America. The sagas, oral traditions, and writings of the Norse people indicate that those who travelled to what is now Canada originated from Greenland. Historical records show that the Norse people wintered in Canada, indicating a significant period of exploration and settlement.
More recently, dendrochronological evidence has further supported this claim. Woods used in the bishopry of Gardar in Greenland over 400 years ago were from Newfoundland and Labrador, not from Europe. This evidence suggests that the Greenland colony made repeated voyages to North America for timber and other precious woods.
The Bishopric of Gardar
The bishopric of Gardar was established in Greenland and extended to the lands west of it, including parts of what is now Canada. The bishopric was established by Rome after Gudrid made a pilgrimage there to recount the story of their short-lived Vinland colony. The see was manned by bishops from 1124 to 1387 CE and was a ghost see until 1537 CE.
Conclusion
The evidence from archaeology, genetics, and history all strongly support the idea that the Vikings had a significant and lasting presence in North America. L’Anse aux Meadows, the genetic markers found in Iceland, and the historical records of the bishopric of Gardar all provide a comprehensive picture of the Norse explorations and settlements in the New World.
For those interested in learning more about this fascinating topic, the L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site is a must-visit. The reconstructed homes and historical exhibits offer a vivid insight into the Norse life in America nearly a millennium ago.