Expanding Horizons: Migrations, Landnám, and Maritime Relations in the North Atlantic during the Viking Age
Join us for an exploration of the Viking Age, where we delve into the fascinating migrations and maritime connections that shaped early Icelandic society. Around 870 AD, Norse settlers, primarily from Norway, established themselves in Iceland. While it has long been believed that these settlers focused on agricultural sites, our research reveals a different story.
Our project uncovers the critical role of coastal sites, rich in marine resources such as fish, seals, whales, birds, and driftwood. These resources were vital for the Norse settlers’ subsistence and trade networks, offering a broader and more complex picture of their daily lives and economic strategies.
From 2018 to 2023, we conducted extensive archaeological surveys in Strandir, NW-Iceland, and Hjartøy, near Bergen, Norway. Our findings challenge the traditional focus on farming and animal husbandry and instead highlight the importance of maritime sites that have been under-represented in the archaeological record.
Moreover, our research addresses the pressing issue of climate change.
Rising sea levels and extreme weather events pose a significant threat to our coastal cultural heritage. Making it crucial to develop strategies and shift our focus to these sites before it is too late.
By collaborating with interdisciplinary experts from Norway and Iceland, we aim to shed new light on the interconnectedness of North Atlantic communities during the Viking Age. The talks will provide a more nuanced view of the settlement period and the Norse migration through both written sources and archaeological evidence. Furthermore, we will highlight the importance of maritime activities and the urgent need to protect our shared heritage from the impacts of climate change.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain fresh insights into the Viking Age and its enduring legacy.