Vikings from Greenland — the first Europeans to arrive in the Americas — lived in a village in Canada’s Newfoundland exactly 1,000 years ago, according to new research.
Wood at a settlement in Canada's Newfoundland that was cut with metal tools helped researchers pinpoint when the Norse first reached the continent — well before Columbus.
“Previously the date was based only on sagas — oral histories that were only written down in the 13th century, at least 200 years after the events they described took place,” she said. The scientific key to the exact date that the Norse were there is a spike in a naturally radioactive form of carbon detected in ancient pieces of wood from the site: some cast-off sticks, part of a tree trunk and what looks to be a piece of a plank.
Trees “breathe” carbon dioxide as they grow, and so the researchers used that radioactive carbon signature to determine which of the annual growth rings seen in cross-sections of the wood was from 993, Kuitems said. The Norse voyages to Newfoundland are mentioned in two Icelandic sagas, which indicate L’Anse aux Meadows was a temporary home for explorers who arrived in up to six expeditions.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Three Working Dads At Diageo North America Explain The Importance Of Gender-Neutral Parental LeaveWhile 90% of fathers take some time off after their children are born, the majority of them take less than 10 days away from the job.
Read more »
Study: Automatic ‘Opt-Ins’ May Boost Women’s LeadershipWhen everyone is automatically opted in for a competition, women are as likely as men to vie for the prize, but when competitors must choose to opt in, it becomes a man's game, a new study suggests.
Read more »
Roberto Carlos Unveils 2022 North America Tour Dates: 'I Feel More Alive Onstage'Brazil's expert of romantic ballads, Roberto Carlos, has unveiled his 2022 tour which will see him in 13 cities across the U.S. and Canada.
Read more »
North America's biggest container port faces record backlogApproximately 200,000 shipping containers remain gridlocked off the coast of Los Angeles on Monday as pandemic-related disruptions continue to affect various supply chains, according to Gene Seroka, the executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.
Read more »
Gal Gadot Got Real About Reporting Joss Whedon For 'Threatening Her Career' While Shooting 'Justice League''I was shaking trees as soon as it happened.'
Read more »
Ordering An Artificial Christmas Tree? Here's What You Should Know.Global supply chain disruptions are affecting the fake tree industry.
Read more »