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Evidence for European presence in the Americas in AD 1021.
- Source :
-
Nature [Nature] 2022 Jan; Vol. 601 (7893), pp. 388-391. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Oct 20. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
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 <superscript>1,2</superscript> . However, it has thus far not been possible to determine when this activity took place <superscript>3-5</superscript> . 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. <superscript>6</superscript> ). 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 <superscript>7,8</superscript> .<br /> (© 2021. The Author(s).)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1476-4687
- Volume :
- 601
- Issue :
- 7893
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Nature
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 34671168
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03972-8