jan 1, 982 - Erik the Red discovers Greenland

Description:

In the year 982 CE, after Erik was banished from Iceland and Norway, he departed from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland with his crew and went on his way to explore Iceland. Once his banishment ended, rather than settling down again in Iceland, Erik encouraged people to join him in creating a new settlement in Greenland. He chose this name because he thought that it would appeal to Icelanders and Norwegians whom he hoped to attract. Two setttlements were established and at its height (around the early/mid 12th century), the population was estimated to have been comprised of around 2500-5000 Vikings.

By the early 15th century, however, the Norse settlement failed and the settlers largely disappeared due to the damaged environment and poor weather conditions.

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