Many if not most folk realize that the Vikings arrived in North America centuries before Columbus did in 1492. This was incontrovertibly demonstrated just over 60 years ago with the discovery of the remains of a Norse settlement on the extreme northern tip of Newfoundland in Canada at a site known as L'Anse aux Meadows. Various testing, including radiocarbon dating had already placed the date somewhere between 990-1050 A.D., but this new research provides not only confirmation but more precision.
The study used radiocarbon dating of tree ring samples carefully selected for evidence of having been cut by metal tools (thereby eliminating Native Americans who didn't have metal tools) as well as evidence obtained by using the Carbon Spike of 993-994 A.D. thought to be the result of a massive solar storm from that time, as ways of getting a much more precise timeframe.
Interestingly, all three wood samples (two fir and probably a juniper) tested all arrived at the same date. Exactly 1000 years ago. 1021 A.D.
That indicates when they were cut, but not during which point of the occupation. So we don't know if it was cut when they first arrived or not long before departing. In any case they were not there very long with scientists estimating their settlement that might have at one point held up to 100 people, only existed between about four and thirteen years.
In any case, we know that it was standing and occupied in 1021 A.D.
Those interested can read the entire paper, Evidence for European presence in the Americas in AD 1021 by clicking the hyperlink provided, and from which the Abstract below comes from:
The study used radiocarbon dating of tree ring samples carefully selected for evidence of having been cut by metal tools (thereby eliminating Native Americans who didn't have metal tools) as well as evidence obtained by using the Carbon Spike of 993-994 A.D. thought to be the result of a massive solar storm from that time, as ways of getting a much more precise timeframe.
Interestingly, all three wood samples (two fir and probably a juniper) tested all arrived at the same date. Exactly 1000 years ago. 1021 A.D.
That indicates when they were cut, but not during which point of the occupation. So we don't know if it was cut when they first arrived or not long before departing. In any case they were not there very long with scientists estimating their settlement that might have at one point held up to 100 people, only existed between about four and thirteen years.
In any case, we know that it was standing and occupied in 1021 A.D.
Those interested can read the entire paper, Evidence for European presence in the Americas in AD 1021 by clicking the hyperlink provided, and from which the Abstract below comes from:
Abstract
Transatlantic exploration took place centuries before the crossing of Columbus. Physical evidence for early European presence in the Americas can be found in Newfoundland, Canada. However, it has thus far not been possible to determine when this activity took place. Here we provide evidence that the Vikings were present in Newfoundland in AD 1021. We overcome the imprecision of previous age estimates by making use of the cosmic-ray-induced upsurge in atmospheric radiocarbon concentrations in AD 993. Our new date lays down a marker for European cognisance of the Americas, and represents the first known point at which humans encircled the globe. It also provides a definitive tie point for future research into the initial consequences of transatlantic activity, such as the transference of knowledge, and the potential exchange of genetic information, biota and pathologies.
Transatlantic exploration took place centuries before the crossing of Columbus. Physical evidence for early European presence in the Americas can be found in Newfoundland, Canada. However, it has thus far not been possible to determine when this activity took place. Here we provide evidence that the Vikings were present in Newfoundland in AD 1021. We overcome the imprecision of previous age estimates by making use of the cosmic-ray-induced upsurge in atmospheric radiocarbon concentrations in AD 993. Our new date lays down a marker for European cognisance of the Americas, and represents the first known point at which humans encircled the globe. It also provides a definitive tie point for future research into the initial consequences of transatlantic activity, such as the transference of knowledge, and the potential exchange of genetic information, biota and pathologies.
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