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Vikings in north America/vineland?

• Message 1.Β 

  Posted by Sleepysissco (U4090737) on Wednesday, 24th May 2006

  As far as I now the Vikings expanded their empire as far west as The costal Areas of the U.S, Much like we Brits did with our empire, But for some reason they only stayed for 3 years, what happened there? is there any documents or evidence that anyone around here is aware of? any books anyone can suggest?
  
  Many thanks
  
  Philp Kennedy

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Our Man in Mexico (U1661159) on Wednesday, 24th May 2006

  Dear Philip,
  
  The only literature documenting the Greenlandic Expeditions to Vinland are the "Vinland Sagas" which comprise of Graenlendinga Saga and Eirik the Reds Saga. Also the Hauksbok Version of Islendingabok accounts the Voyage of Thorfinn Karlsefni and Gudrid Thornbjarnadottir to Vinland.
  
  Settlement was attempted but a permanent Greenlandic Colony could not be established due to attack by indigenous peoples dubbed 'Skraelrings'; whom after previously engaging in peaceful commerce with the Greenlanders then proceeded to attack and over run the Settlement after commerce had broken down. The Settlement was subsequently abandoned.
  
  Cheers,
  
  Craig

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• Message 3

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  Posted by TonyG (U1830405) on Wednesday, 24th May 2006

  I recall seeing a documentary which suggested that the Greenland colonies died out due to a combination of climate change and sickness. Remember, it was a very long and dangerous journey to get from Scandinavia via Iceland, Greenland and on to Vinland. Although Iceland was colonised, the numbers who went on further than that were not great and any setback was enough to destroy a small community.

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  Posted by nflder (U3995902) on Thursday, 25th May 2006

  Type in L'Anse aux Meadows in google and I am sure you will see the UN WEorld Heritage Site Viking settlement in northern Newfoundland. This is the only proven Viking settlement in North America, it is well worth a visit.

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