What role did Vikings have in exploration of the Americas?

Exploration of North America The Vikings spent an entire winter there and benefitted from the milder weather compared to their homeland. They explored the surrounding region abounding with lush meadows, rivers teeming with salmon, and wild grapes so suitable for wine that Eriksson called the region Vinland (Wineland).

Why is the age of the Vikings considered to be historically important?

Impact of the Viking Age The Scandinavians changed the history of Ireland, England, Russia and other European countries. They established new territories in Iceland, Greenland and temporarily, North America. From A.D. 793 to 1066, Vikings raided, traded, challenged, conquered and settled in many lands.

Why did the Vikings settle in Britain?

The clearest cause for the Viking raids was simply the acquisition of wealth. Britain was particularly well known for its lucrative trade centres, and the Scandinavians were aware of this through their own commerce with the region.

Is there a second Viking settlement in North America?

Canada’s top Arctic archaeologist, Pat Sutherland, has found new evidence which confirms the presence of a second Viking base in the New World. The only previously known location of a Viking settlement in North America was discovered at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland in 1960.

Where did the Vikings settle in Canada?

The only previously known location of a Viking settlement in North America was discovered at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland in 1960. Sutherland, professor of archaeology at Memorial University, Newfoundland, has spent years compiling evidence that Norse explorers visited other parts of Canada.

Why did the Vikings stay in Greenland?

In spite of North America’s more bountiful resources, the Viking settlers remained in desolate Greenland. This was perhaps due to the violent encounters—including the slaying of Eriksson’s brother Thorwald–they had with the indigenous population of North America.

How old are the remains of a Viking settlement?

An international team of archaeologists that included Ingstad’s wife, Anne, excavated artifacts of Viking origin dating from around A.D. 1000, and the remains of the Norse village are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.