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Why didn't the Vikings colonize North Africa?
Vikings were said to have raided parts of North Africa during the early medieval period and even enslaved some poor, unfortunate locals. Why was their presence around the southern shores of the Mediterranean little more than fleeting?1 year ago — History -
The Northern Passage: Did the Vikings sail the Barents Sea?
Renowned for their exploratory and maritime skills, what do we know about people from Viking societies who sailed in the frozen waters of the Barents Sea?1 year ago — History -
How Thorfinn Karlsefni reached the New World long before Columbus
Long before SAS flights whisked Scandinavians across the North Atlantic Ocean to North America, Thorfinn Karlsefni was doing it the hard way. This determined explorer is credited with establishing a short-lived settlement in Vinland, thus becoming the first property developer in the New World.1 year ago — History -
A deep dive: Did Viking explorers really reach Canada's Baffin Island?
The idea that Baffin Island was frequented by the Vikings is shrouded in doubt, mystery, and a certain degree of controversy.2 years ago — History -
The saga of Björn Breiðvíkingakappi and his alleged voyage to Central America
Fans of alternative historical narratives and conspiracy theories often cite Björn Breiðvíkingakappi, a figure mentioned in the sagas, as evidence that Vikings reached Central America long before the conquistadors.2 years ago — Legacy -
Book review: The Far Traveler - Voyages of a Viking Woman by Nancy Marie Brown
In this era of sky-high post-COVID airfare prices, you would be forgiven for never wanting to travel again. Yet, Nancy Marie Brown delves into the early medieval period, where even short journeys were perilous. She recounts the stories of Gudrid, a Norse woman who ventured vast distances.2 years ago — Reviews -
The saga of Ingólfr Arnarson and the foundation of Iceland
It is not often that a nation can trace its ancestral roots back to one person. In Iceland, however, legend and lore suggest that Ingólfr Arnarson was the island nation's first permanent settler in about 874 CE. Behind his foundational role in establishing Iceland lies a dark and bloody secret.2 years ago — History -
Grímur Kamban: The story of the Faroe Islands' first Norse settler
Nowadays, the Faroe Islands are a popular tourist destination with a degree of self-government within the Kingdom of Denmark. However, long before the tourists arrived, the origins of human settlement on the islands can, if we believe the sagas, be attributed to a single man: Grímur Kamban.2 years ago — History -
Naddodd: The Viking explorer behind Iceland's accidental discovery
Sometimes, history is made by accident. Such was the case when a Viking-era Norwegian explorer, Naddodd, was blown off course from the Faroe Islands and "discovered" Iceland. This is a story of epic adventure and accidental exploration.2 years ago — History -
Who were the greatest travelers of the Viking Age?
From Ragnar Lothbrok to Harald Hardrada, Jonathan Bennett takes a look at the finest, most adventurous (and luckiest) Viking explorers in history.3 years ago — History
