Vinland

Vinland was the name given to part of North America when discovered by the Viking [Leif Eriksson]?. After the explorations of the coast of Greenland, It is believed that the first landing of the Vikings was in Newfoundland, Canada. Archaeological evidence has been found of a Viking settlement at [L'Anse aux Meadows]?.

There is textual evidence of the trip in at least two different Icelandic sources. Piecing together information from these, the settlement period seems to have been only one year or two.

The disbandment of the small Viking colony probably had several reasons. Disagreements among the men about the few women that followed on the trip and fighting with the Micmac? Indians? already living on the land (called "Skrälingar" by the Vikings) are both reasons that are indicated in the written sources.

/Talk