Vikings are extremely well know for their exploration of the northern Atlantic. They are credited with the discovery of Iceland, Greenland, and as the first Europeans to reach the Americas. In addition they expended out of Scandinavia to England, Ireland, and northern Europe. On their exploration trips they would raid coastal villages, explore new lands, and scout areas to settle. Their home land was extremely crowded, and lacked an abundance of suitable farming lands, so many people were looking for new areas to settle. Iceland, and uninhabited, bountiful land, became a popular destination for new settlements. The discovery of near-by Greenland, came about because Erik the Red was banished from Iceland and needed a new place to settle. (See ERIK THE RED tab) Erik's son Leif Erikson, is credited with the 'discovery' of America, or as he called it, Vinland, for the wild grapes that grew. Vikings never established permanent settlements in America, only temporary bases to supply raids and groups of voyagers. Their main reason for not remaining in America, was their hostile relationship with the natives. Lacking indigenous people, Iceland and Greenland were very popular in comparison. |
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