Curious Encounter Between Inuit And Vikings Led To Something Surprising That Shaped History
Ellen Lloyd - AncientPages.com - Greenland, the world's largest island, was colonized by Erik the Red in the late 10th century. His primary objective was to establish a Norse settlement. In southwestern Greenland, Erik built a homestead in an area later named Brattalid, the site of the first Greenlandic parliament and the departure point for Leif Erikson, Erik the Red's son, on his voyage to discover Newfoundland and Labrador. The Norse maintained a presence in Greenland for approximately 500 years.
In 985, upon the expiration of his exile sentence, Erik the Red returned to Iceland. Determined to establish Greenland's colony, he began recruiting settlers. He strategically named the new land Greenland and promoted its abundant fishing resources to make it more appealing.
Over 500 Icelanders agreed to join Erik's expedition to Greenland. However, the journey proved dangerous, resulting in numerous casualties. Only 14 of 25 Viking ships successfully navigated the treacherous, ice-cold waters. The survivors established several colonies across Greenland, adapting to life as fishermen, hunters, and farmers.
Historical records indicate a curious encounter took place between the indigenous Inuit people of Greenland and the Norse settlers. This meeting of two vastly different worlds - the Inuit of Greenland and the fearless Vikings - unfolded not in conflict but as a beautiful tapestry of human connection that continues to inspire us today. This captivating tale, hidden within a historical document, reminds us of the incredible potential of unexpected encounters.
What once happened in a small Norse colony shaped history.
This is a preview of our premium article available only to members of Ancient Pages.
Become a member to read more - Click here
If you are already a member and have logged in to your account, you can access the article here
See also:
Ancient Runestones Reveal A Surprising Viking Secret – Scientists Say
Viking Artifacts Discovered In Canada Are More Mysterious Than First Assumed
More From Ancient Pages
-
Viking Dentistry Was Surprisingly Advanced And Not Unlike Today’s Treatments
Archaeology | Dec 14, 2023
-
Abu Simbel – Spectacular Ancient Egyptian Temples Unique In Design And Size
Featured Stories | Jun 12, 2021
-
Ancient City Of Hippos-Sussita And The Mysterious Disc-Shaped Copper Plates
Archaeology | Apr 18, 2017
-
Was The Mysterious Powerful Viking Warrior Buried In A Ship In Scottish Highlands A Woman?
Archaeology | Feb 12, 2017
-
Mysterious Ancient Oil Lamps In Ohio And Wisconsin – Evidence Of Pre-Columbian Contact?
Artifacts | Dec 20, 2017
-
Mysterious Ancient Underwater Structure Beneath MacDonald Lake Reveals Traces Of A Lost Civilization In Ontario
Civilizations | Nov 15, 2018
-
‘Impossible’ Ancient Knowledge Of The Gods’ Star – First Observations – Part 1
Featured Stories | Aug 29, 2021
-
Weapons Of Ancient Aztec Warriors Of Mesoamerica
Featured Stories | Mar 23, 2017
-
Hayk – Legendary Patriarch And Founder Of Armenia Who Defeated King Bel Of Babylon
Featured Stories | Feb 10, 2022
-
Mystery Of Ancient New York Giants – Who Was Really Buried In The Druid Barrow?
Featured Stories | Oct 28, 2017
-
Legendary And Mysterious Stone Of Brutus – The London Stone Refuses To Give Up Its Secrets
Artifacts | Jan 21, 2022
-
Magnetic Compass Was Invented In Ancient China
Ancient History Facts | Mar 18, 2016
-
Prince Vseslav The Sorcerer And Werewolf – The Most Famous Ruler Of Polotsk
Featured Stories | Dec 29, 2021
-
Curious Ritual Wooden ‘Duho’ Stool Of Ancient Taino People
Ancient Traditions And Customs | Sep 12, 2017
-
Silver Offers Evidence Viking Age Started Much Earlier Than Previously Thought – Archaeologist Says
Archaeology | Nov 7, 2023
-
Why Were Medieval People Easily Offended And Scared Of Rumors?
Ancient History Facts | Oct 14, 2019
-
Native Americans And European Legends Tell Peculiar Beings From The Sky Still Live On The Earth
Featured Stories | May 16, 2018
-
Fairies Weren’t Always Cute – They Used To Drink Human Blood And Kidnap Children
Featured Stories | Oct 15, 2022
-
Medusa – Cursed By Athena And Killed By Perseus
Featured Stories | Jul 30, 2018
-
Olympe De Gouges – First French Feminist Challenged Maximilien de Robespierre And The Jacobins
Featured Stories | Nov 12, 2018