How Historians Know About Vikings: Unveiling the Secrets of Their Past

The Vikings have long fascinated people around the world. From the tales of their daring raids to their vast exploration of the North Atlantic, much of what we know about these ancient peoples comes from various historical sources. Historians rely heavily on written and archaeological evidence to piece together the Vikings' story. Let's delve into how these sources help us understand who the Vikings were and what they achieved.

The Written Sources

The primary written sources that provide insight into the Vikings' past are found in Scandinavian documents, which can be categorized into several types: Chronicles: These are historical accounts written by monks and other chroniclers. Sagas: These are legendary works that often convey both historical and fictional aspects of Viking life. Skaldic Epics: Written poetry that celebrates the valor and deeds of Viking heroes. Laws: Written laws and codes of conduct that reflected Viking society. Runic Inscriptions: Symbols carved into rocks and ceramics that provided some insight into daily life and religious beliefs.

The Icelandic Sagas: A Primary Source

The Icelandic sagas are particularly noteworthy for the narratives they provide on the Norse exploration and colonization of North America. Here are some key points to consider:

Leif Erikson's Journey: The saga of Eirik the Red, the sagas of Greenland and Hauksbók, and the Flatey Book describe Leif Erikson's exploration of the land he called Vinland. According to these sources, he arrived in 986, fifteen years after Bjarni Herjólfsson was blown off course and sighted land west of Greenland. Norse Colonization: The sagas suggest that Norse explorers journeyed to North America in search of new lands, trade, and resource opportunities. Discoveries and Settlements: The sagas mention three key areas: Markland, Helluland, and Vinland. Some scholars today identify Markland with Labrador and Helluland with Baffin Island, while the precise location of Vinland remains a mystery.

These sagas were initially considered legends or myths but began gaining historical credibility in the 19th century due to the work of scholars like Carl Christian Rafn, who authored Antiquitates American and recognized North America as 'Vinland'. The sagas were praised for their detailed accounts of Norse exploration.

Archaeological Evidence: Unearthing the Past

While written sources provide a wealth of information, archaeological findings corroborate and enhance our understanding of the Viking Age. Here are some significant discoveries:

Laurentian Vikings at L’Anse aux Meadows: In the 1960s, archaeologists Anne Stine Ingstad and her husband Helge Ingstad discovered the L’Anse aux Meadows settlement in Newfoundland. This site is now considered the first known Norse settlement in North America. Unusual Fabric Cordage: In the 1980s, unusual fabric cordage was discovered in Baffin Island and stored at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. In 1999, it was identified as possibly of Norse manufacture, leading to further exploration of the Tanfield Valley archaeological site. Point Rosee Settlement: Evidence of a possible 10th-century Norse settlement has been found at the Point Rosee site on the southwest coast of Newfoundland. This discovery was initially made through satellite imagery and magnetometer readings.

Together, written and archaeological sources offer a comprehensive picture of the Vikings' explorations and settlement patterns.

Supporting Evidence: Cartographic Records

Geographical records also provide valuable information about the Vikings' knowledge of the North Atlantic. For example:

The Skálholt Map: An Icelandic teacher created this map in 1570, depicting part of northeastern North America, including Helluland, Markland, and Vinland. Although it is a later work, it corroborates the sagas' geographical descriptions.

These maps, along with various archaeological sites, help historians piece together the Norse exploration of North America.

Conclusion

The Vikings' journey to the New World, as depicted in the Icelandic sagas and supported by archaeological evidence, remains a remarkable chapter in early European history. Written sources like sagas and chronicles, as well as archeological findings, offer a valuable glimpse into the lives and adventures of these seafaring explorers. By combining these different types of evidence, historians are able to better understand the Norse colonization of North America and the enduring legacy of Viking exploration.