Evidence for European presence in the Americas in AD 1021.

ABSTRACT: Transatlantic exploration took place centuries before the crossing of Columbus. Physical evidence for early European presence in the Americas can be found in Newfoundland, Canada^1,2. However, it has thus far not been possible to determine when this activity took place^3-5. Here we provide evidence that the Vikings were present in Newfoundland in AD 1021. We overcome the imprecision of previous age estimates by making use of the cosmic-ray-induced upsurge in atmospheric radiocarbon concentrations in AD 993 (ref. ⁶). Our new date lays down a marker for European cognisance of the Americas, and represents the first known point at which humans encircled the globe. It also provides a definitive tie point for future research into the initial consequences of transatlantic activity, such as the transference of knowledge, and the potential exchange of genetic information, biota and pathologies^7,8.

SUBMITTER: Kuitems M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8770119 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature